Vietnam Stuns Jordan 2–0 in AFC U23 Opener
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - In a performance defined by tactical discipline and clinical precision, Vietnam’s U23 squad announced their arrival at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup with a commanding 2–0 victory over Jordan on Tuesday night.
Under the bright lights of the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the "Golden Star Warriors" defied the odds against a physically imposing West Asian side, securing three vital points to take early control of Group A.
The match began with palpable tension. Jordan, looking to impose their will early, dominated possession in the opening ten minutes, testing Vietnam’s defensive shape. However, the tide turned in the 12th minute due to a moment of madness in the Jordanian box. A sharp counter-attack led by Khuat Van Khang caused panic in the Jordanian defense, resulting in a handball by Mohammad Taha. After a tense VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot.
Stepping up under immense pressure, Nguyen Dinh Bac showed ice-cold composure. The young forward sent goalkeeper Abdel Al Talalga the wrong way, burying the penalty in the 15th minute to give Vietnam a 1–0 lead. The goal settled the team's nerves, transforming their tentative start into a confident, rhythm-controlling display.
As Jordan pushed forward seeking an equalizer, they left gaps at the back and Vietnam made them pay. Just three minutes before the halftime whistle, the Southeast Asian side struck again. A whipped corner kick created chaos in the six-yard box. While the Jordanian defense scrambled to clear their lines, defender Nguyen Hieu Minh reacted fastest, ghosting in to tap the loose ball into the net. The 42nd-minute goal was a psychological blow to Jordan, sending Vietnam into the break with a comfortable 2–0 cushion.
The second half saw a desperate Jordan throw everything forward. They dominated territory and aerial duels, but they met an immovable object in the Vietnamese defense.
Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien was a standout, commanding his area with authority and making a crucial intervention to deny Odeh Fakhoury in the 65th minute. The backline, marshaled by goalscorer Hieu Minh, absorbed wave after wave of pressure, frustrating the Jordanian attackers who were reduced to long-range efforts.