On the afternoon of November 11 (local time), the U17 Vietnam team entered the second friendly match against the Matsuyama University team, within the framework of a training trip in Ehime (Japan) to prepare for the 2026 U17 Asian qualifiers.
In this match, coach Cristiano Roland made many changes to the squad to test personnel and check tactics. Goalkeeper Tuan Vu started in goal; the defense included Minh Cuong, Manh Cuong, Dang Khoa and Anh Hao; the midfield had Tri Dung, Duy Khang, Minh Loi, Van Nam, Sy Bach and Long Nhat as the only spearheads in the attack.
Against an opponent with superior physique and experience, U17 Vietnam entered the match quite cautiously and was somewhat forced to play in the first minutes. However, after about 15 minutes, Mr. Roland's students gradually regained their rhythm, organized pressing and coordinated more smoothly.
U17 Vietnam created two notable opportunities in the first half, but the shots of Sy Bach and Hiep Dai Viet were both blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
Entering the second half, some tactical adjustments helped U17 Vietnam play better. In the 52nd minute, from Duy Khang's skillful pressing, the ball was cleverly passed for Manh Quan to run down to score the opening goal 1-0. However, just a few minutes later, the Matsuyama University team equalized 1-1 on the penalty spot.
In the remaining minutes, coach Roland continued to rotate the squad to create opportunities for the young players to show themselves. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, bringing many positive signals to U17 Vietnam in the process of perfecting the force.
According to the plan, the team will have its last friendly match with U18 Ehime on November 13 before returning home to prepare for the U17 Asian qualifiers.
