After a rather deadlocked first half (1-1 draw) against U23 Kuwait in the opening match of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship, coach Hoang Anh Tuan decided to refresh the attack in the second half, and Bui Vi Hao was one of the strikers expected to help U23 Vietnam play better. Without having to wait long after entering the field, from a back pass from a U23 Kuwait defender, goalkeeper Mohsen Ghareer fumbled and lost the ball to Vi Hao. The 21-year-old striker immediately punished the opponent's mistake with a goal to raise the score to 2-1. In the 76th minute, from a delicate through ball from Thai Son, it was still Vi Hao who was as quick as a squirrel to penetrate the opponent's penalty area before finishing past goalkeeper Mohsen Ghareer, putting an end to U23 Kuwait's efforts to earn points.

Vi Hao scored a double to help U23 Vietnam defeat U23 Kuwait 3-1. Photo: VFF

Both of Vi Hao's goals came from mistakes by the Kuwait U23 goalkeeper. But it takes a sharp striker to seize the opportunity to finish off the opponent like that. Being voted the best player of the match by the Organizing Committee is a recognition for the Binh Duong Club striker. Before scoring a double for Vietnam U23 in the opening match of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship campaign, Vi Hao was one of the lesser-known strikers. Compared to Dinh Bac, Van Tung, Nguyen Hoang... the 21-year-old striker was even considered a "supporting actor". But under coach Hoang Anh Tuan, no one is a star, but is in the plan for each match, specific developments. It should be recalled that a year ago, Bui Vi Hao was criticized by coach Troussier and was not on the list for the 32nd SEA Games. Then, in the 2024 U23 Asian qualifiers held at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho), the striker born in 2003 was called back to the U23 Vietnam team.

Vy Hao affirms his value. Photo: SN

In this tournament, also coming off the bench in the second half, Vi Hao shined with a goal against Yemen. The only goal of the Binh Duong Club striker brought the ticket to the final round for U23 Vietnam. Only 21 years old, Bui Vi Hao has played 3 seasons for Binh Duong's first team (50 matches). This season, the striker from An Giang played 11 matches and contributed 1 goal. In the youth teams, Vi Hao is a familiar face, especially under the guidance of coach Hoang Anh Tuan. The strategist from Khanh Hoa always knows how to use his students properly, at the right time, helping him shine as seen in the victory over U23 Kuwait on the evening of April 17. Possessing a height of 1m81, speed and scoring ability, Vi Hao is one of the names expected at the 2024 U23 Asian Cup, expected to go far in the future.