By Sachit Subba • Football • Oct 09, 2025 15:31 PM • 40 views
Binh Duong, October 9 — Vietnam began their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers 3rd Round campaign in commanding fashion, securing a 3–1 victory over Nepal at the Binh Duong Stadium on Thursday night. The home side made an early statement through striker Nguyen Tien Linh, who opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clinical finish after a well-constructed attacking move. However, Nepal found a way back in the 17th minute when Sanish Shrestha equalised, silencing the 8,597 home fans momentarily.Nepal remain 10 men when midfielder Laken Limbu was shown a red card in the match just before halftime.
Vietnam regained control after the interval. Substitute Pham Tuan Hai restored their lead in the 63rd minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse to beat Nepal captain and goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu. The hosts sealed the result late in the second half when Pham Gia Hung added a third goal, confirming a comfortable opening win for Kim Sang Sik's side. Nepal, coached by Australian Matthew Ross, showed flashes of promise in the first half with disciplined defending and quick counterattacks. Ross, who received a yellow card in the 25th minute for dissent, watched his side fight bravely but struggle to match Vietnam's pace and precision in the latter stages.
Vietnam's victory was built on composure and tactical clarity. Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc controlled the tempo effectively, while the defensive line, marshalled by Do Duy Manh, dealt confidently with Nepal's attacking attempts. Forward Pham Tuan Hai's energetic performance off the bench provided a crucial spark that shifted the momentum firmly in the host's favour. For Nepal, Sanish Shrestha stood out with his first-half equaliser and tireless work in the defensive half. Goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable, while defender Ananta Tamang delivered a strong display at the back despite relentless Vietnamese pressure. The win places Vietnam in a strong position in Group F, setting a positive tone for their quest to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Nepal will face Vietnam on October 14.
