AFC conducts doping tests on Thai Son and Le Viktor after victory against UAE U23.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has designated two players from the Vietnam U23 team, Thai Son and Le Viktor, to undergo doping tests after Vietnam U23 qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

Vietnam U23 secured a thrilling victory against UAE U23, advancing to the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Championship.

Immediately after the final whistle of the quarter-final match, the AFC randomly selected two players from each team to undergo doping tests. On the Vietnam U23 side, midfielder Thai Son and overseas Vietnamese player Le Viktor were designated to undergo this mandatory medical procedure.

Thai Son and Le Viktor were selected by the AFC for doping tests (Photo: AFC).

In fact, this is a regular practice of the AFC at major tournaments to ensure fairness. Previously, the duo Nguyen Xuan Bac and Nguyen Dinh Bac (after the match against Kyrgyzstan) and Nguyen Phi Hoang (after the victory against Saudi Arabia) also fulfilled a similar obligation.

The fact that Vietnamese players consistently maintain a surprisingly high level of physical fitness against taller opponents seems to have drawn special attention from the tournament's medical officials.

Viktor Le had an outstanding performance before being substituted in the 34th minute due to injury. In that brief period, the Vietnamese-American player proved why he is a crucial asset in coach Kim Sang Sik's system.

The midfielder's powerful runs and incisive passes helped the Vietnam U23 midfield completely dominate the game against the technically gifted players of the UAE U23 team.

Meanwhile, midfielder Thai Son had a brilliant 120 minutes on the Al Faisal pitch, affirming his irreplaceable role in controlling the game in the Vietnam U23 team's lineup.

Vietnam U23 team brilliantly secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship (Photo: AFC).

Thai Son's performance was considered by experts to be the most important link in the midfield. The player from Dong A Thanh Hoa Club amazed everyone with his tireless ability to cover the entire field.

Thai Son not only excelled at intercepting and recovering the ball, but also served as a vital link, helping the Vietnam U23 team maintain a balance between attack and defense throughout the tense two extra time periods.

The Vietnam U23 team is on the verge of making history, displaying unwavering resilience and superior physical fitness. Under the guidance of coach Kim Sang Sik, the dream of a continental gold medal is gradually becoming a reality through the tireless runs of these red-shirted warriors.

Watch the entire 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship Finals on TV360 at https://tv360.vn. Enjoy a smooth multi-platform experience, rewind and replay, and free Viettel 4G/5G data.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/afc-kiem-tra-doping-thai-son-le-viktor-after-the-victory-against-u23-uae-20260117053000890.htm