Vietnam produced a dramatic comeback in the final Group C match in the early hours of May 14, overcoming an early setback to secure victory and advance to the quarter-finals of the continental tournament.
With six points from three matches, Vietnam finished top of Group C and will face Australia national under-17 football team in the quarter-finals.
Vietnam U17 reached the Asian tournament quarter-finals and qualified for the World Cup (Photo: AFC).
The result also secured Vietnam a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar from November 19 to December 13.
The match began disastrously for Vietnam when Al Mheiri scored for the UAE in the opening minute, leaving the Vietnamese defence stunned.
Trailing early, coach Cristiano Roland urged his players forward in search of an equaliser.
After sustained pressure, Vietnam levelled in the 41st minute through Nguyen Luc.
U17 players celebrate Nguyen Luc's equaliser (Photo: AFC).
The goal lifted Vietnamese confidence and the team maintained control after the break, taking a 2-1 lead in the 48th minute thanks to a strike from Minh Thuy.
The UAE responded in the 56th minute when Mahrous unleashed a powerful long-range effort into the top corner to make it 2-2.
Manh Cuong scored the decisive goal for Vietnam U17 (Photo: AFC).
As the match became increasingly tense, both sides traded attacks before Vietnam found the decisive moment.
In the 69th minute, Manh Cuong rose highest to head home from a Minh Thuy corner, sealing a memorable 3-2 victory for Vietnam.
