Hanoi, Sept. 22 -- Vietnam's U23 team secured a place in the ASIAD 2026 men's football quarterfinals despite a 0-2 loss to Uzbekistan in their final Group C match on September 22.

Urinboev Muhammadali put Uzbekistan ahead in the fifth minute before Nurlan doubled the lead in the 68th minute.

Vietnam pushed for a comeback but struggled to break through Uzbekistan's well-organised defence.

Despite the defeat, Vietnam finished second in Group C with four points after the Philippines beat Kuwait 2-1 in the other match. Uzbekistan topped the group with a perfect nine points.

Vietnam opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Kuwait before beating the Philippines 2-0 to secure four points and advance to the knockout stage./.

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