Vietnam U16s miss out on trophy at Japan-ASEAN football tournament

ABO/NDO – Vietnam’s U16s were denied the triumph of lifting the overall trophy at the 2018 Japan-ASEAN Youth Football Tournament after falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Indonesia’s U16s in the final match on March 12.

Vietnam U16s (in red) drop the overall trophy at the Japan-ASEAN Youth Football Tournament 2018.

Coach Dinh The Nam’s side played offensively right from the first whistle, but Indonesia’s enterprising playing style made it difficult for Vietnamese players to capitalise on their attacks.

After a goalless first half, Indonesia put increasing pressure on the Vietnamese side, and their efforts paid off with a goal from the penalty spot on the hour mark.

With time running out, Vietnam pushed hard for an equaliser; however, both Trung Hau and Nguyen Hoang failed to make the most of their chances to level the score.

The narrow loss meant Vietnam missed out on the overall trophy, which went to Indonesia. Despite such disappointment, the tournament allowed Dinh The Nam’s players to get valuable experience in preparation for their AFC U16 Championship campaign in Malaysia this September.

(Source: NDO)