Vietnam National Team edges closer to Malaysia at Asian Cup with a 3-1 win over Nepal

09/10/2025 22:23:00 SportScoop

Vietnam achieved a 3-1 win over Nepal in the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualification.

Right from the start, Vietnam pushed their formation forward and dominated midfield control. With superior ball possession (averaging 75%), coach Kim Sang Sik’s players continuously pressured goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong’s goal.

This pressure quickly paid off with the opening goal in the 9th minute. From Truong Tien Anh’s cross, Tien Linh skillfully controlled the ball and finished decisively to put Vietnam ahead.

Despite being under pressure, Nepal fought back resiliently and capitalized on a set-piece to equalize at 1-1 in the 17th minute, when Sanish Shrestha rose high to head past Van Lam. This goal didn’t change the game’s flow, as most of the first half saw the ball mainly in Nepal’s half. However, Nepal’s defense and goalkeeper Kiran’s excellent performance made it difficult for the Vietnamese attackers to find the net. Before halftime, Vietnam gained a major advantage when Nepal’s Limbu received a direct red card for a foul on Hai Long.

Thắng dễ 3-1 Nepal, ĐT Việt Nam áp sát Malaysia tại Asian Cup 719330 — Photo: VFF

In the second half, coach Kim Sang Sik made several substitutions to boost the pace and creativity of the attack. Van Vi, Gia Hung, and Thanh Nhan were introduced, bringing fresh energy to the home side’s offensive plays.

In the 67th minute, after missing several chances, Vietnam finally scored to make it 2-1. Xuan Manh took advantage of a chaotic moment in the penalty area to shoot low and put his team ahead. Less than five minutes later, the score increased to 3-1 when Van Vi quickly followed up on Hoang Duc’s saved shot and scored.

With a comfortable lead, Vietnam maintained dominance and continued high pressing, making it almost impossible for Nepal to mount attacks. Had they converted more opportunities late in the game, coach Kim Sang Sik’s team could have won by a larger margin.

In the end, Vietnam triumphed 3-1, closing the gap with Malaysia in the standings. On October 14, the two teams will face off again at Thong Nhat Stadium.

Thắng dễ 3-1 Nepal, ĐT Việt Nam áp sát Malaysia tại Asian Cup 719339 — Match statistics after Vietnam vs Nepal (Photo: Screenshot)

90'+4: The match ends. Vietnam 3-1 Nepal

83': SUBSTITUTIONS

Duc Chien and Dinh Bac come on for Duy Manh and Thanh Long

72': VAN VI!!!!!

Hoang Duc curled a left-footed shot, but goalkeeper Kiran pushed it away. The ball fell to Van Vi, who fired a low follow-up shot straight into the net. The score is 3-1 for Vietnam.

67': GOAL!!!!! 2-1 FOR VIETNAM

Truong Tien Anh’s dangerous corner forced goalkeeper Chemjong to punch the ball out. However, it landed at Xuan Manh’s feet, and number 7 finished with a left-footed low shot to put the hosts in front.

65': STILL NO GOAL

Kiran Chemjong once again dived brilliantly to block Hoang Duc’s shot. The opposing goalkeeper is playing excellently.

Gia Hung and Thanh Nhan replace Hai Long and Tuan Hai.

62': NO GOAL!!!

Tien Linh just launched a threatening shot, but Nepal’s goalkeeper Kiran made another outstanding save.

54': DANGEROUS!!

Xuan Manh and Van Lam repeatedly made unsafe clearances in the penalty area. Fortunately, Duy Manh was quick to control the ball.

46': SUBSTITUTION

Van Vi replaces Bui Tien Dung.

45'+2: RED CARD FOR NEPAL

Tien Linh made a clever backheel pass to Hai Long, but number 12 was fouled by a Nepal player near the penalty area. The referee showed a red card to Limbu from Nepal.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong made a spectacular save to deny Hai Long’s free kick.

43': WHAT A SHAME

Hai Long delivered a great through ball into the box. A Nepal defender missed the tackle, causing Tuan Hai to be slightly off balance and unable to reach the ball.

38': MISS

From a set piece, Truong Tien Anh lofted the ball inside, but it deflected off a Nepal player, and the goalkeeper securely caught it.

35': UNFORTUNATE

Le Pham Thanh Long delivered a precise cross into the box, but Tien Linh’s header went wide.

24': OFFSIDE

Vietnam executed a brilliant combination play. Hai Long threaded a pass to Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, who ran forward and crossed to Tuan Hai for a close-range shot. However, the referee ruled number 10 offside on this play.

Trực tiếp Việt Nam 1-1 Nepal: Liên tục áp đảo 719264

17': GOAL!!!! NEPAL EQUALIZES

From a set piece, Nepal’s player crossed into the box to Sanish Shrestha, who outjumped Duy Manh and headed the equalizer.

14': VIETNAM ACCELERATES

After Tien Linh’s goal, the red-shirted players’ spirits rose. There were continuous penetrations by Tuan Hai, Tien Linh, and Hai Long, but no second goal yet for Vietnam.

9': TIEN LINH OPENS THE SCORE

From Truong Tien Anh’s cross, Tien Linh controlled the ball well and fired the opening goal.