Trouncing Myanmar 5-1, Vietnam make impressive start at AFC U-16 Championship qualification

Vietnam U-16 team earned a 5-1 win at home against U-16 Myanmar during the opening of Group J’s clashes under the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-16 Championship qualifying stage on September 16.

Van Dat (No. 14) shines in Vietnam’s opening match with a hat-trick against U-16 Myanmar on Wednesday. (Image credit: vff.org.vn)

As U-16 Australia is considered the leading candidate for the group’s top spot, the direct confrontation between Vietnam and Myanmar on Wednesday was important for both Vietnam and Myanmar in the race for another ticket to the finals.

Only a few minutes after getting the ball rolling, the game was leaning heavily toward Vietnam as players under Coach Dinh The Nam showed their superiority on the field, thanks to higher ball possession and the ability to organise effective pass-and-move tactics.

 

After several good opportunities to open the scoring, Vietnam solidified their advantage with the opening goal by Van Dat in the 24th minute.

 

Inspired by the goal that broke the deadlock, Vietnam increased pressure on the guests’ side. It only took five minutes after the opener for Vietnam to widen the gap to 2-0 when Khac Khiem, from a left wing corner kick, made a precise header into the net.

 

Despite initial successes, a distraction in the defensive line forced Vietnam to pay in the 30th minute. Chit Oo Aung Ko Ko made a finish that touched a Vietnamese player's foot before diverting into the net, helping Myanmar narrow the gap to 1-2.

 

However, that was all the visitors could do as during the remaining time, players of Coach Dinh The Nam continued to control the game. With an overwhelming domination, U-16 Vietnam’s strikers scored three more goals, including a goal by Huynh Sang in the 33rd minute and a double by Van Dat in the 68th and 76th minutes.

 

With the 5-1 win, Vietnam had a good start in Group J of the qualifier, ranking second after Australia who overwhelmed Guam 14-0 in a match took place earlier the same day.

 

This year’s AFC U-16 Championship qualifying stage drew the participation of 45 teams divided into eleven groups.

 

The teams will play in a round robin format to select the best 16 teams (eleven group winners and the four best runners-up from all groups) for the final tournament, to be hosted by India. As hosts, India qualified automatically, but will also compete in the qualifying stage of Group E. If India are one of the group winners or best runners-up, the fifth-best runner-up also qualify for the final tournament.

 

Vietnam hosted the qualifying round for Group J at the Hanoi’s Youth Football Training Centre from September 16-20. The hosts will face Guam Friday before playing Australia on September 20.

 

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)