In Hohhot, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, football fans witnessed a gripping encounter as China’s Under-16 team faced off against Vietnam in the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Under-16 International Tournament on Friday.
The match kicked off with high energy, and it didn’t take long for the home side to assert themselves. In the 12th minute, China’s Liang Shiyu broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Just five minutes later, Wan Xiang doubled the lead, capitalizing on a low cross from teammate Zhang Xuyao to make it 2-0.
Despite the early setback, Vietnam was not ready to concede defeat. The visitors regrouped, and their persistence paid off shortly after the break. Two minutes into the second half, a well-placed free kick by Nguyen Luc found Van Duong, who skillfully headed the ball past Chinese goalkeeper Li Qifu, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Tensions escalated when China’s Zhang Junhao received a red card for a reckless challenge, leaving the hosts with ten men and forcing them into a defensive stance. Sensing an opportunity, Vietnam pressed forward in search of an equalizer.
The decisive moment came in the 85th minute. Vietnam’s Sy Bach unleashed a stunning curling shot from near the byline, catching the Chinese defense off-guard. The ball sailed into the net, leveling the match at 2-2 and silencing the home supporters.
The drama didn’t end there. In stoppage time, Vietnam’s Tri Dung was shown a red card, bringing both teams down to ten players. Despite last-minute efforts, neither side could find a winner.
The draw leaves both teams reflecting on missed opportunities but also highlights the resilience and talent of these young players. China will next face Australia on Sunday, promising another exciting chapter in the tournament.
