On July 29, 2025, Vietnam’s U23 team clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over host nation Indonesia in the final of the ASEAN U23 Football Championship, successfully defending their title.
This marks Vietnam U23’s third championship win after previous triumphs in 2022 and 2023, setting a new record in the history of Southeast Asian men’s football. Even more impressively, Vietnam claimed the title with a perfect winning streak, showcasing their dominance and strength throughout the tournament.
The final was held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. With a seating capacity of 78,000, the venue stands as one of the most iconic sports facilities in the region.
Fierce First Half Battle, Nguyen Cong Phuong Strikes the Winner
The match began with Indonesia launching an aggressive offense, while Vietnam responded quickly with counterattacks. During the early exchanges, both teams searched for openings but failed to produce any meaningful threats.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute. Vietnam striker Nguyen Cong Phuong scored the only goal of the match, silencing the crowd at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
In a chaotic moment inside the penalty box, Cong Phuong seized the opportunity and fired the ball past Indonesian goalkeeper Adiansyah. With that crucial goal, Vietnam entered halftime leading 1-0.
Staunch Defence Secures Victory Against Host Nation
In the second half, Indonesia intensified their attacks, fueled by home advantage and crowd support, hoping to equalize. During the closing stages, they mounted a fierce offensive push, but Vietnam’s defense remained solid, repeatedly neutralizing the threats.
In the end, Vietnam held onto their lead until the final whistle. For the second consecutive edition, Indonesia fell to Vietnam in the final, once again failing to reclaim the title last won in 2019.
Individual Brilliance and Coaching Milestones
Vietnam forward Nguyen Tien Bac was awarded the tournament’s Best Player honor for his outstanding performances, becoming the first Vietnamese player in history to earn this accolade.
Additionally, head coach Kim Sang-sik made history of his own by becoming the first manager to win both the senior ASEAN Championship and the U23 title.
Prime Minister’s Commendation: A Victory That Inspires National Pride
Following the match, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a letter of commendation to the national team.
In his message, he emphasized that this victory not only reaffirmed the leading status of Vietnamese youth football in the region but also embodied the courage, talent, unity, and relentless drive for excellence demonstrated by the young players.
The Prime Minister noted that throughout the tournament, the players showcased a fighting spirit, calm composure, and fierce loyalty, creating countless thrilling moments. Their outstanding display ignited a wave of confidence, pride, and powerful spirit among millions of Vietnamese people both at home and abroad.
This triumph represents far more than just an athletic achievement. It symbolizes the bold spirit of Vietnam’s younger generation, their willingness to dream, to strive, and to overcome challenges.
Through sweat and passion, these young athletes are writing a new chapter of Vietnamese glory on both the Asian and global football stages.
