The Vietnam U23 team made a big impression at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia when coach Kim Sang Sik's squad won all three group stage matches, thus advancing to the quarterfinals as group A winners – a feat no other Vietnamese youth team has achieved in the continental tournament.
Vietnam U23 team won all their matches in the group stage of the AFC U23 Asian Championship (Photo: AFC).
Impressed by the performance of the Vietnam U23 team, the official website of Manila Montet Club of the Philippines stated: "The Vietnam U23 team made a memorable mark by topping their group after a 1-0 victory against host Saudi Arabia, eliminating their opponent on their home ground. It was a victory of courage and discipline. No fear, no excuses, only belief, tight tactical organization and a courageous fighting spirit."
Manila Montet also stated that the resounding victory in the group stage of the U23 Asian Championship was not just an achievement for coach Kim Sang Sik and his team: "This story is not just about Vietnam. This is the story of Southeast Asian football."
The Philippine team stated: "When a team from the region is strong enough to compete with and defeat a continental football powerhouse, the message sent is not only for Vietnamese fans, but for the entire region, including the Philippines: this level of competition is not the exclusive privilege of anyone, this stage is not closed to Southeast Asian teams, and we absolutely have a place here."
The U23 Vietnam team didn't win because of physical advantages, financial resources, or reputation. Their success stemmed from a clear structural foundation, patient development, competitive spirit, and team spirit—elements that any football system can build with the right direction and serious investment.
For Philippine football, Vietnam's victory serves as a powerful source of motivation: it instills confidence, proves, and affirms that bigger goals are achievable if you dare to dream, dare to act, and persevere to the end.
Southeast Asian football is gradually rising on the continental map. And when a team in the region stands up and moves forward, the whole region is inspired to move forward together."
Almost a month ago, Manila Montet FC attracted attention in the Southeast Asian football community when they posted an open letter expressing understanding and support for Vietnamese fans after the controversial victory of the Philippine women's team against the Vietnamese women's team in the SEA Games 33 final.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/clb-philippines-bong-da-viet-nam-truyen-cam-hung-cho-dong-nam-a-20260114092440330.htm
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