VFF responds as AFC honors Vietnamese star's superb goal at Asian Championship

According to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh's goal has been nominated by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as the best goal of the group stage in the 2026 AFC Women's U20 Asian Cup.

According to information from the Vietnam Football Federation, Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh's goal against the Thailand Women's U20 team has officially been included by the Asian Football Confederation in the nomination list for the "Best Goal of the Group Stage" at the 2026 AFC Women's U20 Asian Championship. This is not only a recognition of technical quality, but also a prominent mark of Vietnam's young women's football on the regional stage.

This year's tournament witnessed a high-intensity group stage with notable professional quality. According to AFC's assessment, the 18 matches delivered a range of emotions, with a series of goals showcasing diverse styles. From powerful long-range shots, seamless team coordination to sudden individual brilliance, all contributed to a comprehensive picture of the development of young women's football in Asia.

Among these, Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh's scoring play at the 51st minute in the match against Thailand Women's U20 particularly stood out. This situation clearly demonstrated sharp tactical vision as the Vietnamese player quickly identified the gap and decisively executed a long-range finish. This is a play that demands not only technique but also competitive courage, choosing a bold solution in a tightly contested match.

The AFC official website also gave notable remarks about this goal. The Asian football governing body emphasized the element of surprise – one of the important characteristics of modern football. Thuy Linh's shot, despite originating from a not-so-favorable distance, still possessed sufficient difficulty to force the opposing goalkeeper into an error. The ball's trajectory and shot power turned a seemingly ordinary situation into a goal rich in sudden impact.

Alongside Vietnam's representative, the nomination list also gathered many quality goals from strong football nations. Notable entries include Rinyaphat Moondong's direct free kick (Thailand), Ri Kuk Hyang's powerful strike (DPR Korea), Natsumi Tago's technical handling (Japan), and Oydinoy Turgunova's delicate inside-foot shot (Uzbekistan). This diversity shows the rising overall standard of play.

Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh's inclusion in the voting list carries not only personal significance but also reflects the positive progress of Vietnam Women's U20. This is a signal that young players are gradually approaching continental competition standards, both in technique and tactical thinking. Fans can fully participate in the voting on AFC's official platform, thereby providing additional motivation for Thuy Linh and the entire team in their journey to affirm their position on the major stage.