Vietnam’s U23 team drew with Kuwait in its opening Asian Games match.
There were plenty of attacking opportunities, but it was finishing—not the number of shots—that decided the outcome.
Head coach Kim Sang-sik is focusing on preparing the senior national team for the ASEAN Cup instead of coaching on-site at this tournament.
3-Line Summary
1. Vietnam U23 drew 1-1 with Kuwait
2. One goal despite 63% possession and 27 shots
3. Many shots do not guarantee victory
Equalizer Scored Late in the Second Half in Nagoya’s Opening Match
Vietnam’s U23 team drew 1-1 with Kuwait U23 in the opening Group C match of the men’s football competition at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held on September 15 at Nagoya City Minato Soccer Field in Nagoya, Japan. Kuwait’s Al-Tamar Omar scored first in the 33rd minute of the second half, but Nguyen Ngoc My scored the equalizer 2 minutes later.
Vietnam is competing with Kuwait, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan for advancement to the quarterfinals from Group C. The draw earned Vietnam 1 point in its opening match, but the team was unable to turn its superiority in the run of play into a victory.
The Task Left by 63% Possession and 27 Shots
According to a report by Xportsnews, Vietnam recorded 63% possession and 27 shots. It took 12 shots in the first half alone, but only 2 were on target, prompting assessments that the team lacked finishing in decisive moments. There was also a second-half stoppage-time chance in which Le Van Thuan’s shot struck the top of the crossbar and went out.
Kuwait head coach David Doniga assessed Vietnam as a fast, strong, and technically excellent team. However, as Kuwait stated that it had stopped Vietnam’s 27 shots and 6 shots on target, Vietnam’s attacking control did not translate into a difference in goals. The clearest number from this match was ultimately 1 goal, rather than 27 shots.
Head Coach Kim Sang-sik Focuses on Preparing the Senior Team for the ASEAN Cup
Head coach Kim Sang-sik did not accompany Vietnam’s U23 team at this Asian Games. Xportsnews reported that Kim would skip the Asian Games, a competition for the U-23 age group, and focus on the senior national team in preparation for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, which opens on September 24.
It is also confirmed through the Kuwait coach’s remarks that Kim has led both the senior national team and the U23 team since taking charge of Vietnam’s national team in June 2024. However, it is difficult to attribute this 1-1 draw solely to the coach’s absence. The result confirmed in the match is that Vietnam created many attacking opportunities but finished with only a draw.
References
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