AFF U22 Championship: Vietnam tops Group A, entering semi-finals

ABO/VNA –  Vietnam has progressed as the Group A winner of the AFF U-22 Championship 2019 after a goalless draw with Thailand at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium on February 21.

Vietnam has progressed as the Group A winner of the AFF U-22 Championship 2019 after a goalless draw with Thailand on February 21. (Photo: VNA)

Both of the teams had booked their spots in the semifinals of the regional youth competition by winning against the Philippines and Timor-Leste. Thus, they were looking to playing for a draw in their final group fixture.

The game’s first goal effort came in the 22nd minute when Vietnam midfielder Nguyen Hung Thien Duc’s ambitious long-range attempt was tipped away in a spectacular fashion by Thai goalkeeper Korraphat Nareechan.

 

In another shot on target, Nguyen Hoang Duy tried to curl in from the edge of the box,  however his effort was sent straight to the Thai keeper.

 

The Vietnamese side would have had one goal if forward Tran Duc Nam did not misfire from just outside the penalty box in the 33rd minute.

 

In the second half, the Thai goalkeeper received a yellow card for bringing down midfielder Le Xuan Tu at the edge of the box. Tong Anh Ty took the resulting free kick but did not win against Korraphat.

 

The semifinals of the tournament will be held on February 24. Thailand will play against host Cambodia, who tops Group B, in the round. Vietnam will meet the runner-up of Group B – of which Malaysia, Myanmar, and Indonesia are currently vying for the final spot.

 

(Source: VNA)