Vietnam’s U23 Triumph in Heroic AFC U23 Championship Mission
U23 Vietnam has made a monumental mark in football history with their recent triumph at the AFC U23 Championship. The team, after nearly a month in Saudi Arabia, returned home on January 25, 2026, not only with a bronze medal but also a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment.
U23 Vietnam’s Historic Achievement
In a thrilling third-place match on January 23, U23 Vietnam faced U23 Korea and secured victory in a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout after both teams finished regulation time tied at 2-2. This win represents Vietnam’s first-ever victory against Korea in ten attempts, as well as the nation’s first medal in a continental tournament.
Journey Back Home
Following the medal ceremony, the team enjoyed a late dinner and subsequently departed for Jeddah airport in two groups. The first group, which included 26 members such as Vice President Tran Anh Tu and head coach Kim Sang Sik, left by 1:15 a.m. on January 24. The remaining members returned later that day, arriving in Hanoi in the early hours of January 25, greeted with mixed emotions of exhaustion and elation.
Memorable Moments and Personal Reflections
Among the players, captain Khuat Van Khang expressed his honor in bringing home the medal, while others shared lighter moments, with some craving local Vietnamese dishes. Forward Dinh Bac, who made significant contributions before receiving a red card, conveyed his emotions through social media, expressing gratitude towards his teammates for their relentless fight.
- Key Players in the Match:
- Dinh Bac – Assisted and scored a goal, later sent off.
- Cao Van Binh – Made 10 crucial saves and blocked a penalty.
- Nguyen Thanh Nhan – Scored the decisive penalty kick.
Coach’s Pride and Acknowledgments
Coach Kim Sang Sik praised the team’s resilience throughout the tournament. Despite challenges, including playing with ten men against a strong Korean side, the coach highlighted their spirit and determination. In support, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a letter commending the team’s courage and determination, calling it a “triumph of will and belief.”
Celebrating Vietnam’s Football Legacy
The Vietnam Football Federation rewarded the players with over $200,000 in bonuses for their remarkable achievements, with additional contributions bringing the total to nearly $400,000. Media outlets across Asia recognized Vietnam’s composed performance and celebrated their historic accomplishments, including the highest goal tally of 10 goals in a single AFC U23 Championship.
As U23 Vietnam stepped off the plane at Noi Bai airport, the atmosphere was filled with pride and dreams, even amid their exhaustion. The tournament may have ended, but this exceptional journey marks the beginning of a promising chapter in Vietnam’s football legacy.
