Vientiane: Vietnam secured a 2-0 victory over Laos in the second-leg match of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers at Chao Anouvong Stadium in Vientiane on November 19 evening. The match saw strategic changes and impactful performances that led to Vietnam’s triumph.

According to Lao News Agency, the first half concluded without any goals, prompting Vietnam’s head coach Kim Sang-sik to make significant changes to the team’s attack lineup. Four substitutions were made, with Xuan Son, Tuan Hai, Gia Hung, and Hai Long entering the field in place of Tien Linh, Thanh Long, Van Do, and Van Vi. Notably, Xuan Son made his return to the team after a 10-month injury absence.

The breakthrough for Vietnam came in the 68th minute when Xuan Son scored from a penalty, marking his eighth goal in only six appearances for the national team. The match was sealed deep into stoppage time when Tien Anh’s cross was mishandled by the Lao goalkeeper, allowing Tuan Hai to execute a successful overhead kick, securing the 2-0 victory.

This result allowed coach Kim’s squad to reach its point target, setting the stage for a decisive qualifier against Malaysia at home next year. The outcome of that match will determine Vietnam’s place in the 2027 Asian Cup finals.