U17 Vietnam wins a match in Japan

08/11/2025 21:26:00 GameGladiator

The U17 Vietnam squad played their first practice match during the training camp in Ehime, Japan this afternoon on November 8, as part of their preparation for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, winning 2-0.

According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the sparring partner for Coach Cristiano Roland’s team in this match was U18 Imabari – the youth team of Imabari Club, currently competing in J.League 2, regarded as a fitting opponent for U17 Vietnam to test their lineup during the initial phase in Japan.

Coach Cristiano Roland split the squad into two lineups, each playing one half. In the first half, U17 Vietnam took the field with goalkeeper Chu Bá Huấn; defenders Hoàng Việt, Mạnh Cường, Đăng Khoa, Anh Hào; midfielders Quý Vương, Ngọc Sơn, Minh Thủy, Chu Ngọc Nguyễn Lực, Sỹ Bách; and forward Trần Mạnh Quân.

U17 Vietnam confidently secured their first victory in Japan. Photo: VFF

The match featured an evenly matched contest, with most of the ball play happening in midfield as both teams battled for control.

In the 28th minute, U17 Vietnam scored the opening goal thanks to a beautiful free kick by Chu Ngọc Nguyễn Lực from outside the penalty box. By the 43rd minute, the lead was doubled after another set-piece; the ball was struck sharply, causing confusion in the U18 Imabari defense, and Sỹ Bách quickly finished to make it 2-0.

In the second half, Coach Cristiano Roland replaced the entire lineup to give other players opportunities. Despite active play and creating several notable attacking chances, U17 Vietnam did not score again and finished the match with a 2-0 win.

This outcome provides a positive sign for U17 Vietnam as they continue to refine their playing style and prepare their squad ahead of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

According to the plan, the team will have two more practice matches, facing Matsuyama University on November 11 and U18 Ehime on November 13, before concluding their training camp in Japan.

After completing the training camp, U17 Vietnam will return home on November 15 to begin the final preparation phase before participating in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled from November 22 to 30, 2025 in Hanoi and Hung Yen.

Training and competing in Japan — a country with one of the continent’s top youth development systems — is expected to help U17 Vietnam players gain valuable experience, aiming to secure a spot in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup finals.

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