U17 Vietnam needed a win to secure progression in this tournament and clinch a spot at the U17 World Cup.

Head coach Cristiano Roland kept the starting lineup unchanged, and from the first whistle, the team in red launched into an assertive attacking approach.

A vital goal from Duy Khang brought U17 Vietnam within reach of a World Cup ticket.

A breakthrough nearly came in the 20th minute when Nguyen Luc’s shot was parried by the goalkeeper and Duy Khang’s follow-up effort was cleared off the line.

But just three minutes later, there was no stopping Duy Khang. The PVF Academy midfielder smashed a one-touch volley into the net after a pinpoint cross from Van Khanh, putting U17 Vietnam in front.

U17 UAE then turned up the pressure, using long balls and the target man play of striker Adel Khamis to threaten goalkeeper Xuan Tin. Their best first-half opportunity came in the 35th minute when Khamis set up wing-back Al Falasi, whose shot flew over the crossbar.

Early in the second half, U17 Vietnam maintained their attacking posture, with Hong Phong firing a long-range shot narrowly wide. However, the remainder of the half saw U17 UAE dominate.

Goalkeeper Xuan Tin made a sharp save from a fierce Khamis strike in the 51st minute and had luck on his side in the 62nd minute when a punched clearance landed at an opponent’s feet, but the UAE failed to capitalize.

After 70 minutes, U17 Vietnam surprisingly topped Group B as U17 Australia mounted a comeback to lead U17 Japan 3-1. Meanwhile, U17 UAE grew increasingly frustrated by repeated denied penalty claims.

Unfortunately, Vietnam couldn’t maintain the lead. In the 87th minute, Hazaa Faisal equalized with a close-range header from a set-piece delivered by Adetiba.

U17 UAE equalized in the 87th minute.

Seven minutes of stoppage time followed, and Tan Dung almost found the winner in the 90th minute, but his header went straight to the UAE keeper.

That would prove U17 Vietnam’s final opportunity. With three consecutive draws, they failed to advance from the group stage, and their World Cup dream must once again be put on hold.

Match result: U17 Vietnam 1-1 U17 UAE (Halftime: 1-0)

Scorers (assists):
U17 Vietnam: Duy Khang 23' (Van Khanh)
U17 UAE: Hazaa Faisal 87' (Adetiba)

Starting lineups:
U17 Vietnam: Xuan Tin, Duy Khang, Van Khanh, Nguyen Luc, Viet Long, Hong Phong, Tan Dung, Hong Quang, Viet Anh, Duc Duy, Van Bach.
U17 UAE: Al Bastaki, Al Falasi, Salem, Fahad, Al Marar, Mayed, Gamal, Ibrahim, Suhail, Abdulla, Obaid.

Final Group B standings

Dai Nam