Vietnam U16 midfielder scores, helping his team secure a narrow draw

Lê Sỹ Bách’s goal enabled U17 PVF CAND to hold U17 Nam Định to a draw, concluding the first half of the qualifiers at the top of the group.

On the afternoon of August 25th, the qualifying round of the 2025 National U17 Football Championship continued with matches from the 5th and final round of the first leg. Notable results have shifted the standings, making the battle for a spot in the finals even more exciting.

In Group A at the Viettel Sports Center, Hanoi defeated Hanoi Police 2-0 to rise to first place with 9 points from 4 matches, tied with Viettel Army but leading on goal difference. In the other match, Viettel Army beat Hue 2-1 to keep up the chase. Hanoi Police sit third with 7 points, followed by Hue (4 points) and Dao Ha Youth Team (0 points).

Group B saw fierce competition. Dong A Thanh Hoa beat Luxury Ha Long 3-0 to reach 8 points, matching SLNA who drew 2-2 with Hai Phong. In the late match, PVF-CAND drew 1-1 with Thep Xanh Nam Dinh but maintained first place with 13 points and an unbeaten record after 5 games.

The only goal for U17 PVF CAND was scored by Lê Sỹ Bách. This promising midfielder of Vietnam U16 impressed previously by scoring against U16 China at the CFA Team China 2025 friendly tournament. Born in 2009, Lê Sỹ Bách is expected to lead U17 Vietnam in the race for a spot at the 2026 U17 World Cup.

In Group C, HAGL drew 2-2 with Gia Lai to increase their points to 8, remaining top of the group. SHB Da Nang caused a major upset by defeating TP.HCM 1-0, moving up to second place with 7 points. TP.HCM stands third temporarily with 6 points, while Gia Lai (3 points) and Quang Ngai (2 points) have yet to make a breakthrough.

Group D was also intense. TP.HCM Football Club was held to a 1-1 draw by Dong Nai but still leads with 11 points after 5 rounds. An Giang climbed to second place with 8 points thanks to a 4-0 victory over Vinh Long. In the other match, Tay Ninh and Becamex TP.HCM played to a goalless draw.

At the end of the first leg, teams will enter the decisive second leg starting August 28th to compete for places in the finals.