Vietnam's U23 squad facedstiff competition this week, beating Galatasaray 2-1 at the ChallengeCup at Thong Nhat Stadium in HCM City on September 27.
Striker Le Van Thang and midfielder Nguyen Van Quyet each scored onegoal in the second half with Turkey's substitute responding with a goalfor the visiting team.
Galatasaray, who began the match asfavourites, gave an impressive start but quickly faced an increasinglyconfident Vietnamese side, bolstered by strong defensive play.
Vietnam failed to set up early opportunities but continued anaggressive attack on the Turkish defence. Possession favoured theVietnamese side but several missed attempts from striker Mac Hong Quanprevented an early lead.
Quan fumbled two chances from the left wing, following strong efforts from teammates on the right flank.
Fans were left gripping their seats at the 43rd minute when Quan sent aball flying above the goal, after a grueling set up from his teammates.
Teams went to the lockers at half time with an emptyscoreboard after Minh Tuan lobbed a free kick into the Galatasaraykeeper's gloves.
Vietnam dominated possession in the second half, setting up opportunities to break the deadlock.
Following a series of missed shots, Thang broke the impasse at the62nd minute after a blocked attempt from Ha Minh Tuan, deflected by theTurkish goalkeeper.
Turkey's substitutions - made to revive itschances - paid off as substitute Demir responded strongly with anequaliser just two minutes from full time.
The Vietnamese sideresponded one minute later as Tuan set up teammate Quyet to use his bodyto drive the ball over the line. While Uysal managed to clear the ballaway, the referee determined the ball had crossed the goal line.
Vietnam will play their second match against Santos' U23 side on September 29.-VNA
