After the opening whistle, U17 India actively pressed right on the U17 Vietnam field. Meanwhile, coach Hoang Anh Tuan's students proactively gave up the game to the opponent.

The match between U17 Vietnam and U17 India was exciting. Photo: VFF

Despite not having much control of the ball, U17 Vietnam still knew how to create opportunities. In the 29th minute, Long Vu took the first shot and the ball seemed to have touched the hand of an Indian U17 player in the penalty area but the referee did not blow the whistle. In the 31st minute, U17 Vietnam was awarded a free kick from about 30 meters away. Captain Cong Phuong took a powerful free kick that sent the ball just wide of the Indian U17 goal.

Despite controlling the ball more, the U17 Indian players still did not have any truly dangerous shots. Meanwhile, U17 Vietnam converted the opportunity into a goal. In the 44th minute, starting from a successful corner kick defense, U17 Vietnam organized a quick counterattack. Captain Cong Phuong sent a long pass to Long Vu, who handled the ball skillfully before shooting into the far corner to beat goalkeeper Sahil, opening the score. Before the end of the first half, Huynh Trieu took a corner kick, the ball was hung straight towards the U17 Indian goal and hit the post and bounced out. Unfortunately, no U17 Vietnam player rushed in to support.

The joy of Vietnam U17 players when scoring against India U17. Photo: VFF

In the second half, U17 Vietnam improved their ball control and confidently organized attacks. However, U17 India was the team that created more dangerous opportunities. From a delicate pass from U17 India that eliminated the entire U17 Vietnam defense, substitute player Gangte sneaked down to shoot from a tight angle but could not beat goalkeeper Bao Ngoc - a young player from Song Lam Nghe An. However, also from goalkeeper Bao Ngoc's high situation, player Singh dribbled and hung deep into the penalty area and went straight into the U17 Vietnam net.

In the remaining minutes, U17 Vietnam tried to attack, creating a lot of pressure but could not score more goals and had to share points with U17 India. After the first match of Group D of the 2023 AFC U17 Championship finals, all four teams, U17 Vietnam, U17 India, U17 Japan and U17 Uzbekistan, have 1 point. In the previous match, U17 Japan drew 1-1 with U17 Uzbekistan.

According to plan, U17 Vietnam will meet U17 Japan at 5:00 p.m. on June 20 and meet U17 Uzbekistan at 7:00 p.m. on June 23.

HOAI PHUONG