AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 Qualifiers

Vietnam beat Myanmar 1-0 to qualify for U23 Asian Cup 2022 Finals

Substitute Ho Thanh Minh scored a solitary goal after halftime as Vietnam edged out Myanmar 1-0 on November 2 to make it through to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 as the Group I winners.

Ho Thanh Minh (third from right) celebrates with teammates after opening the scoring for Vietnam U23s. (Photo: Vnexpress)
Ho Thanh Minh (third from right) celebrates with teammates after opening the scoring for Vietnam U23s. (Photo: Vnexpress)

Vietnam, having defeated Chinese Taipei 1-0 in their opening match, headed into the top-spot decider with strong determination knowing that a draw would be enough to secure them a slot in next year’s Finals.

However, the first half turned out to be an evenly fought contest with neither side being able to find a way through.

After the break, Vietnam made two substitutions as head coach Park Hang-seo deployed Ho Thanh Minh and Nham Manh Dung to replace Le Xuan Tu and Lieu Quang Vinh.

The reigning SEA Games champions produced a better start to the second half with Ly Cong Hoang Anh blasting a long-range strike over the bar.

After a number of missed opportunities, Park’s side successfully broke the deadlock in the 59th minute thanks to a powerful close-range header by substitute Ho Thanh Minh.

The opener relieved pressure off the Vietnamese players and encouraged them to play more confidently.

Vietnam almost added a second 10 minutes after the hour mark, but Ho Thanh Minh’s header was comfortably handled by Myanmar goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Thu.

With just a few minutes left, Myanmar were reduced to 10 men after Aung Wunna Soe was shown a straight red card for his brutal foul on Hoang Anh.

Park’s troop made use of such a numerical advantage to defend the score until the final whistle.

The second consecutive win put Vietnam on top of Group I with six points, which means they will play in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals for the fourth time in a row.