Today (September 21), the first match of Group A of the 2025 AFC U20 qualifiers kicked off at Lach Tray Stadium (Hai Phong).
The first match is between U20 Guam and U20 Bhutan. U20 Bhutan is the first opponent of U20 Vietnam in this qualifying round, and is also the weakest team in Group A.
The surprise happened in the first minute when the U20 Guam defender cleared the ball unsafely in the penalty area. The ball went to Kinzang Tenzin. In an open position, the number 10 of U20 Bhutan finished accurately, opening the score for the home team.
After this goal, U20 Bhutan not only did not have any more chances but they were also under great pressure from the opponent's attack. When the match was taking place in the 30th minute, heavy rain forced the referee to decide to let both teams leave the field temporarily to ensure safety.
After nearly 30 minutes, the players of both teams returned to play when the rain stopped. All efforts helped U20 Guam equalize the score in the 43rd minute.
In the second half, the rain continued to appear on Lach Tray field, forcing both teams to choose long-ball attacks. Despite holding the ball up to 65%, U20 Guam could not take advantage of their opportunities, thereby accepting a 1-1 draw against U20 Bhutan in the opening match.
In the second match, U20 Syria faced U20 Bangladesh. U20 Syria showed its strength when in the 5th minute, from a cross from the right wing, player number 17 Issa accurately tapped the ball with his left foot, bringing the opening goal for U20 Syria.
The advantage in terms of the game continued to be created by the red players. U20 Syria deployed a variety of attacking tactics, causing the opponent's goal to be shaken. In the 12th minute, from a cross from the right wing, number 9 Knaj successfully headed the ball into the net of U20 Bangladesh, doubling the gap for the home team.
In the second half, U20 Syria continued to dominate the game. Dukhan's accurate rebound in the penalty area helped U20 Syria raise the score to 3-0 in the 72nd minute. In the 79th minute, from a tricky free kick on the left wing, the U20 Syria player chose a good position to finish accurately, sealing a 4-0 victory for the red team.
