U23 Vietnam: Viktor Le scores points with Mr. Kim Sang-sik

TPO - Although only brought onto the field by coach Kim Sang-sik in the second half, Vietnamese-American player Viktor Le was able to leave his mark in the 2-0 victory of U23 Vietnam over U23 Bangladesh in the opening match of Group C, 2026 AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers.

Against a weaker opponent like U23 Bangladesh, coach Kim Sang-sik rested several key players, including Khuất Văn Khang, on the bench. Instead, Văn Trường wore the captain's armband, while Phi Hoàng and Ngọc Mỹ were included in the starting lineup. The only notable player in the attacking line for U23 Vietnam was Đình Bắc.

However, U23 Vietnam still dominated their opponents from the start, and scored the opening goal not long after entering the game.

The goalscorer was Ngoc My, a new face from Thanh Hoa. He broke free to receive a through ball from Dinh Bac before unleashing a powerful shot that beat the U23 Bangladesh goalkeeper.

Overall, U23 Bangladesh was not strong enough to pose a challenge to U23 Vietnam. The away team only had a few counter-attacks that were not really dangerous when U23 Vietnam players were busy pushing forward. This prevented U23 Vietnam from fully revealing its strengths and weaknesses. The most obvious weakness of U23 Vietnam was still the ability to take advantage of opportunities.

This left the Vietnam U23 team largely ineffective for most of the first half and the first half of the second half, despite still dominating possession against their opponents.

The situation forced coach Kim Sang-sik to make a series of changes in the attacking line, bringing on Khuất Văn Khang, Viktor Lê, and Nguyễn Quốc Việt. U23 Vietnam's attacks immediately became more fluid and incisive.

Viktor Lê was the highlight, playing outstandingly in attack. Besides a shot that hit the crossbar, he also scored the header that sealed a 2-0 victory for Vietnam U23 at the end of the match.

The 2-0 victory may not have been "pleasing to the eyes" of fans, but it has helped U23 Vietnam temporarily take the top spot in Group C after the opening round of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will look forward to the second match against U23 Singapore on September 6. This is an opportunity for U23 Vietnam to consolidate their top position in the group before entering the final match against U23 Yemen on September 9.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/u23-viet-nam-viktor-le-ghi-diem-voi-ong-kim-sang-sik-post1775283.tpo