Yemen U.23 Coach: 'Our ambition is nothing other than to beat Vietnam U.23'

After the victory over U.23 Bangladesh on the afternoon of September 6, coach Al Sunaini of U.23 Yemen declared that he and his students will be highly determined to win against U.23 Vietnam in the final match.

Meeting U.23 Bangladesh in the second round of Group C of the 2026 AFC U.23 Championship qualifiers, U.23 Yemen had a tough match. Although they were rated higher and controlled the game for most of the time, U.23 Yemen was stuck in finding a way to score against their opponent. It was thanks to Esam Al-Awami's goal in the 90+4 minute that U.23 Yemen defeated U.23 Bangladesh 1-0.

“Although U.23 Yemen faced difficulties, I did not despair. In particular, the performance of the players in the second half was clearly improved. U.23 Yemen played at a better level, dominated and fought until the last seconds. The goal and 3 points were completely deserved,” said coach Al Sunaini in the post-match press conference.

Coach Al Sunaini (left) affirmed his determination to win all 3 points when meeting U.23 Vietnam

PHOTO: MINH TU

With a 1-0 win over U.23 Bangladesh, U.23 Yemen has 6 points after 2 matches. The West Asian representative has the same score as U.23 Vietnam but ranks 2nd in Group C due to a lower goal difference (U.23 Vietnam has a goal difference of +3, U.23 Yemen has a goal difference of +2). In the final match, U.23 Vietnam will face U.23 Yemen. This is the "final" match of Group C, deciding the top team, thereby winning a direct ticket to the final round of U.23 Asia 2026.

When asked about this match, coach Al Sunaini was determined: “We understand that 1 point in such important matches will decide many things, especially the rankings of the 2 teams in the group. However, U.23 Yemen will enter the match against U.23 Vietnam with the highest determination. Our ambition is nothing other than to win against U.23 Vietnam, to get 3 points.”

“As I said before, anyone who wants to pass the group stage and reach the finals must always try and fight to the end. In this group, the teams do not have too much difference in level. It is the efforts and determination of the teams that will decide everything,” added coach Al Sunaini.

"U.23 Yemen can completely fulfill the great Asian dream"

After the victory over U.23 Bangladesh, Yemeni media highly appreciated the spirit shown by coach Al Sunaini and his team. Immediately after the match, Al Wahdawi wrote: “U.23 Yemen played resiliently, creating an emotional victory. Facing the solid defense of U.23 Bangladesh, U.23 Yemen remained confident, creating terrible pressure. In the end, we succeeded, turning the tables. The young players of Yemen made great efforts and that is very worthy of praise.”

Yemen U.23 players received many compliments from the domestic media for their resilient performance.

PHOTO: MINH TU

Meanwhile, Al Sahwa newspaper commented: “U.23 Yemen has 6 points after 2 consecutive wins. Now, our young team is only one step away from a historic achievement. If we keep our spirit, stay resilient and make efforts in the final match, against U.23 Vietnam, U.23 Yemen players can completely fulfill their great Asian dream.”

Watch live and complete Group C - 2026 AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers onFPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-u23-yemen-tham-vong-cua-chung-toi-khong-gi-khac-ngoai-thang-u23-viet-nam-185250907110633204.htm