Asia U-23 championship qualifying round: Vietnam beats Malaysia 2-1

Vietnam came from behind to beat Malaysia 2-1 in the first match of Group I under the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) U-23 Championship Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur on March 27.

Huy Toan celebrates his first goal for U-23 Vietnam at AFC U-23 Championship Qualifier.

Playing on home turf at Shah Alam Stadium, Malaysian players quickly took control of the game. However, U-23 Vietnam still made the hosts struggle to cope with a series shot from the visitors.

In the 9th minute, Huy Toan took a shot just missing the goal from a very short distance. Ten minutes later, Manh Hung from a free kick at a distance of about 30 metres sent the ball flying, hitting the bar.

Coach Ismail Razip’s players still took full advantage at home to strengthen attacks against the visiting side that had played on the offensive during the first 30 minutes.

Malaysia's Captain Nazirul Naimche Hashim opened the scoring in the 33rd minute also from a direct free kick at a distance of 30 metres. The ball touched the crossbar and entered the net, beating goalkeeper Hoai Anh.

But the joy of the Malaysian players did not last long. Just three minutes later, Cong Phuong delivered a delicate back-heel poke to pass the ball to Huy Toan before the striker from SHB Da Nang made a canon shot to level the score for U-23 Vietnam.

Inspired by the opening, Coach Toshiya Miura’s squad pushed up the game speed and only five minutes after the equaliser, Vietnam continued to pierce through the home team’s net.

From a long pass by Captain Que Hai Ngoc, Cong Phuong broke the offside trap and beat goalkeeper Farhan to make the 2-1 score for his side.

Despite efforts during the second half, U-23 Malaysia could not turn any chances to level the scoring. Not only that, Vietnam’s Manh Hung who has been asked to train hard with free kicks also tested Farhan for the second time at the 90+4 minute as his second free kick hit the bar again.

Three points in the opening game have helped Vietnam to stand in the second position on the table, after U-23 Japan who demolished Macau 7-0 in an earlier match the same day.

Vietnam will face strong rivals Japan Sunday for a chance to enter the final round, which will see ten group winners and five second-placed teams from all groups, who will join hosts Qatar at the AFC U-23 Championship next summer.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)