Xuan Bac scores the second goal for Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam’s U23 squad continued their impressive run at the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship, staging a thrilling comeback to edge the Philippines 2-1 in the semifinal on July 25 and secure their third consecutive appearance in the tournament’s final.
The team dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities but failed to convert their early dominance into goals. Vietnam even fell behind in the 22nd minute as the Philippines fired inside the penalty box following a powerful throw-in and beat the Vietnamese goalkeeper.
Just six minutes later, after an initial header hit the post, mid-fielder Dinh Bac pounced on the rebound to level the score.
The second half began with Vietnam appearing unsettled but they then regained control and found the breakthrough in the 54th minute. From a high ball into the box, Cong Phuong’s header struck the crossbar, and Xuan Bac was perfectly positioned to nod in the rebound, giving Vietnam a 2-1 lead.
With the victory, the quad will face the winner of the other semifinal between Thailand and host nation Indonesia on July 29.
