Vietnam, Singapore share points in first U19 match

Singapore showed remarkable progress in their match against Vietnam in the ASEAN Football Federation Vietcombank U19 Youth Championship in Hanoi on September 11.

Vietnam (in white) were unable to overcome Singapore in their clash at Hang Day Stadium Hanoi on September 11. (Credit: sggp.org.vn)
Vietnam (in white) were unable to overcome Singapore in their clash at Hang Day Stadium Hanoi on September 11. (Credit: sggp.org.vn)

Last year, Singapore were defeated by a whopping 0-6. One year later, they gave the Vietnamese team a run for their money, not letting them score at all in the second game of Group A that finally ended 0-0 at Hang Day Stadium.

Part of the blame goes to the host strikers for wasting several chances on goal, while some attempts were resisted well by the defenders.

Vietnamese forwards needed ten minutes to check out Singapore’s line-up before they unleashed their attacks from both wings.

Ha Duc Chinh and Ho Minh Di both were given three opportunities, receiving perfect passes from their teammates but failed to score.

The hosts gradually went on to dominate the match, trying to find a way into Singapore’s goal. However, even when Singapore was forced to play with their substitute goalkeeper Ahmad Fadly after Muhammad Zhafran was sidelined due to an injury, the Vietnamese side were still unable to score.

Chinh missed his chance with a shot just 5m in front of goal. Later, Tran Thanh broke into the penalty area but his kick could only find Fadly.

Thanh again wasted an opportunity towards the end when his shot struck the right pole.

Tong Anh Ty was given a chance in additional time but his header proved too wide.

Vietnam and Singapore shared the second position in Group A after the first round matches. Timor-Leste were on top after they defeated the Philippines 2-1 in a game earlier in the day.

The Group B matches will take place on September 12. Defending champions Thailand will play Laos at Hang Day. Myanmar will see Indonesia and title favourites Australia will meet Cambodia. The two latter games will be played at the Vietnam Football Federation’s Youth Training Centre. Doors are open to all spectators, free of charge.