Vietnamese fighter pulls off a last-minute comeback, leaving opponent stunned as victory turns into defeat.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Taekwondo fighter Dinh Cong Khoa pulled off a spectacular comeback victory in the semi-finals of the SEA Games 33.

In the men's 54-58 kg taekwondo category at the 33rd SEA Games, fighter Dinh Cong Khoa effortlessly advanced to the quarterfinals after the Cambodian fighter withdrew from the competition.

In the semi-final match held yesterday (December 12th), Dinh Cong Khoa faced Aljen Aynaga from the Philippines. A formidable fighter, he previously reached the round of 16 at the 2025 World Championships.

Dinh Cong Khoa (in blue uniform) lies on the floor after his spectacular victory over Aljen Aynaga (Screenshot).

Notably, the Filipino fighter showed dominance in the early stages, taking a 7-0 lead. Many thought Aljen Aynaga would have an easy victory. However, Dinh Cong Khoa displayed incredible spirit.

As the match progressed, Dinh Cong Khoa's superior physical fitness helped him gradually gain the upper hand. With only seconds left on the clock, the Vietnamese fighter scored to equalize the score at 19-19. Right at the very last second, the scoreboard jumped to 21 in favor of the Filipino fighter.

However, Aljen Aynaga then unexpectedly clutched his head in disappointment. His point was invalidated and awarded to Dinh Cong Khoa. The referee had called a foul on the Filipino fighter at the crucial moment.

After the match ended, Dinh Cong Khoa collapsed onto the floor, clearly disappointed. Meanwhile, Aljen Aynaga knelt on the mat. He couldn't believe he had let the victory slip away like that.

Dinh Cong Khoa reached the final and subsequently won the silver medal after losing to the home fighter, Sirawit Mahamad, with a score of 12-22.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/vo-si-viet-nam-lat-keo-phut-cuoi-doi-thu-that-than-tu-thang-thanh-thua-20251213093144018.htm