U23 Vietnam regrettably draws with North Korea in opening match of CFA Team China – Xi'an 2026

(Football result) - Despite taking an early lead, U23 Vietnam could not maintain their advantage and ended up drawing 1-1 with North Korea in their opening match of CFA Team China – Xi'an 2026.

The match between U23 Vietnam and U23 North Korea started with an open approach as the East Asian side kicked off first. However, U23 Vietnam quickly made an impact from the early minutes. In the 8th minute, following a chaotic situation in the penalty area after a defensive clearance by the opponent, Minh Tam seized the opportunity to score from close range, opening the score to 1-0. After the early goal, U23 Vietnam continued to play proactively, though they faced some concern when Thai Ba Dat suffered an injury in the 13th minute.

During the middle part of the first half, U23 Vietnam maintained good control and managed the tempo of the match. In the 28th minute, Cong Phuong had a chance to double the lead when facing the goalkeeper but failed to capitalize. In the final minutes of the half, the red-shirted team slowed down their play, focusing on defense to preserve their advantage. The first half concluded with a 1-0 lead for U23 Vietnam.

Entering the second half, U23 Vietnam showed signs of slowing down and relinquished control to U23 North Korea. The red-shirted team made several personnel changes, bringing in Dang Duong, Vadim, and Quang Huy to conserve energy and test the lineup. Meanwhile, U23 North Korea gradually increased pressure and sought attacking opportunities.

The efforts of U23 North Korea paid off in the 79th minute when they equalized 1-1 after a breakthrough and sharp finish inside the penalty area. This goal also determined the final result of the match, as neither team could create further difference in the remaining minutes. Ultimately, U23 Vietnam drew 1-1 with U23 North Korea.

Full time, U23 Vietnam 1-1 U23 North Korea

79' In, U23 North Korea equalizes 1-1

U23 North Korea scored the equalizing goal following a breakthrough in the penalty area and a sharp finish.

60' U23 Vietnam slows down the pace of the match

U23 Vietnam is deliberately slowing down the play and relinquishing control to the opponent. The team also made three substitutions, with Dang Duong, Vadim, and Quang Huy replacing Cong Phuong, Thanh Trung, and Minh Tam.

46' Second half begins

End of first half, U23 Vietnam 1-0 U23 North Korea

35' U23 Vietnam focuses on defense

In the final minutes of the first half, U23 Vietnam deliberately slowed down to preserve their one-goal lead.

28' Not quite...

Cong Phuong almost increased the match score to 2-0. U23 Vietnam's number 10 faced the opponent's goalkeeper but could not score.

26' U23 Vietnam continues to play well

Half of the first half has passed, and U23 Vietnam still leads. U23 North Korea has not yet produced any truly notable attacking moves.

13' A U23 Vietnam player injured

Midfielder Thai Ba Dat is hurt and lying on the field. Hopefully, the U23 Vietnam player can continue playing.

8' In, U23 Vietnam opens the scoring very early

Chaotic situation in the penalty area as U23 North Korea's defense was disorganized. A defender cleared the ball poorly, and it reached Minh Tam within 5.5 meters before he scored from close range.

1' Match begins

U23 Vietnam wears their traditional red kit, while U23 North Korea wears white. U23 North Korea is the team that kicks off first.

Starting lineup for U23 Vietnam:

What time is the U23 Vietnam vs U23 North Korea match, and where can it be watched live?

• Match time:14:00 on March 25, 2026
• Match venue:Xi'an, China
• Competition:CFA Team China – Xi'an 2026
• Live broadcast channel:Updating...

Pre-match analysis of U23 Vietnam vs U23 North Korea: The mysterious opponent

U23 Vietnam will begin their campaign at the CFA Team China 2026 tournament against U23 North Korea – an opponent considered the biggest "unknown" of the competition. In recent years, this team has rarely appeared in international arenas, making information gathering and analysis extremely limited. This element of mystery makes the match unpredictable, despite past encounters where U23 Vietnam often faced difficulties, including a 1-2 loss at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2020. Against such a data-deficient opponent, coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his team are likely to prioritize refining their playstyle and maximizing their own capabilities.

For this training camp, U23 Vietnam brought to China a squad largely composed of young players born between 2005 and 2007. This is a strategic decision by the coaching staff, given that many key figures from previous cycles are now over the U23 age limit or have moved up to the national team. Therefore, the tournament in Xi'an does not heavily emphasize results, but rather aims to build a foundation for the next generation.

The squad list also reflects this direction, retaining only a few players who participated in the AFC U23 Asian Cup, such as goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai, Cao Van Binh, or midfielders Nguyen Cong Phuong and Le Van Thuận. Additionally, there are names with U23-level experience like Le Nguyen Hoang, Thai Ba Dat, Nguyen Quang Vinh, and Le Dinh Long Vu, along with many promising new faces.

Through the CFA Team China 2026 tournament, the coaching staff will have the opportunity to thoroughly review and evaluate the young squad. An important goal is to identify suitable talents to supplement the team aiming for ASIAD 2026 in September. This is seen as a pivotal phase in the transition process, requiring careful preparation both technically and psychologically.

Expected lineup for U23 Vietnam vs U23 North Korea

• U23 Vietnam:Cao Van Binh, Le Nguyen Hoang, Dinh Quang Kiet, Tran Hai Anh, Nguyen Bao Long, Nguyen Canh Tai, Tran Thanh Trung, Nguyen Quang Vinh, Le Van Thuận, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Dang Duong
• U23 North Korea:Kang Ju Hyok, Jang Kuk Chol, Kang Kuk Chol, Kim Kuk Bol, Kim Kuk Jin, Kim Kyong Sok, Pom Hyok Kim, Kim Yu Song, Paek Chung Song, Ri Il Song, Ri Jo Guk

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