Hanoi (VNA) – Kyrgyzstan’s media have issued a series of notable assessments of Vietnam’s U23 football team ahead of a pivotal Group A match at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, scheduled for January 9 in Saudi Arabia.
After opening their campaign with a 0–1 defeat to Saudi Arabia U23 — a match in which they were reduced to 10 men from the 34th minute following Arsen Sharshenbekov’s red card — Kyrgyzstan U23 head into the meeting with Vietnam under heavy pressure. Another defeat would likely see coach Edmar Lacerda’s side eliminated early from the tournament.
In their analysis of the Group A landscape, Kyrgyz outlets described Vietnam U23 as a well-balanced, cohesive and highly motivated unit, posing a formidable challenge for Lacerda and his players.
Aki Press noted that Vietnam U23 are riding high on confidence after an impressive 2–0 victory over Jordan. Although the Vietnamese side are made up entirely of domestically based players, they include includes a number of national team players, underscoring a level of quality and experience on par with its rivals. As a result, Aki Press stressed that Kyrgyzstan U23 must commit all their resources to securing a win over Vietnam if they are to avoid a group-stage exit.
Meanwhile, Sport.kg expressed strong respect for the Southeast Asian team coached by Kim Sang Sik, highlighting that both goals against Jordan came from set pieces — a clear indication of Vietnam’s organisation and tactical discipline.
The outlet also acknowledged Kyrgyzstan U23’s efforts in their opening match, noting that they managed to remain competitive for much of the game against Saudi Arabia despite playing a man down.
Vecherniy Bishkek, a daily newspaper, viewed the loss to Saudi Arabia as unfortunate but not overly negative, given the resilient fighting spirit shown by the Kyrgyz side. The newspaper issued a warning ahead of the match, saying that while Vietnam U23 may not possess the same calibre as Saudi Arabia, they are a very cohesive, well-organised and determined team. It added that the encounter would be a major test for coach Lacerda and his players.
The match between Vietnam's U23 and Kyrgyzstan's U23 will take place at 9pm at King Abdullah Sports City Hall./.
AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026: Vietnam beat Jordan 2-0 in first Group A match
Facing a higher-rated West Asian opponent, head coach Kim Sang-sik’s side played with confidence, pressing aggressively and maintaining a compact, disciplined shape from the opening minutes.
