On the evening of April 28, 2025, Okadh Stadium witnessed one of the most emotional matches at the 2025 AFC U17 Championship when Vietnam U17 faced off against strong opponents Japan U17. In a match that seemed to be on the brink of defeat, Tran Gia Bao — the young hope of Vietnamese football — made a strong impression with a goal in injury time, helping Vietnam U17 regain a valuable point.

On the evening of April 28, 2025, Okadh Stadium became the stage for one of the most emotional matches in the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup, as U17 Vietnam faced powerhouse Japan. With defeat looming, young striker Trần Gia Bảo etched his name into the history books by scoring a last-minute equalizer, securing a historic 1–1 draw for U17 Vietnam.

Tran Gia Bao — The Name of Destiny

Gia Bao was brought onto the field from the 66th minute, replacing Nguyen Van Bach. In the context of U17 Vietnam being behind and all hope gradually fading, the player born in 2008 brought the last ray of light. In the fourth minute of extra time, after a fast counter-attack, he was fouled by the Japanese goalkeeper in the penalty area. The opportunity to take a penalty was given, and Gia Bao did not make a mistake.

Gia Bảo was subbed in at the 66th minute, replacing Nguyễn Văn Bách. With U17 Vietnam trailing and hope fading, the 2008-born forward brought a spark of life. In the fourth minute of added time, he was fouled in the penalty box by the Japanese goalkeeper. Calm and composed, he converted the penalty with surgical precision, leaving fans erupting in celebration.

Doping Test — The Challenge After the Glory

Immediately after the match, the organizers selected Tran Gia Bao and Hoang Trong Duy Khang for doping tests — the first time the U17 Vietnam players experienced this strict process. This clearly shows the level of attention the team is receiving from experts and the tournament organizers.

Immediately after the match, tournament officials selected Trần Gia Bảo and Hoàng Trọng Duy Khang for doping control — marking the first time U17 Vietnam players had to undergo this rigorous process. This decision highlighted the increased attention and recognition the team was receiving for their impressive performances.

Testing Process and Post-Game Difficulties

Due to competing under the scorching sun, both Gia Bao and Duy Khang were severely dehydrated, making it difficult to provide test samples. However, with the support of the medical team, all procedures were completed without any problems.

Due to the intense heat and match intensity, both Gia Bảo and Duy Khang experienced dehydration, delaying the sample collection process. Nevertheless, thanks to the medical team’s support, the procedure went smoothly. Both players then returned to the team hotel for rest and recovery.

Gia Bao — Precious Gem From HAGL Academy

Tran Gia Bao is a typical product of Hoang Anh Gia Lai Academy (HAGL), which has trained many stars for Vietnamese football. In 2024, at the age of 16 years and 256 days, Gia Bao became the youngest player to score in the V.League. His finishing skills, smart movement and strong mentality make him a great hope for the U17 Vietnam team .

A standout product of the famed HAGL Academy, Trần Gia Bảo made headlines in 2024 when, at just 16 years and 256 days old, he became the youngest scorer in V.League history. His composed finishing, intelligent movement, and mental fortitude have established him as a core asset for U17 Vietnam.

Duy Khang — Technique and Fighting Fire

Hoang Trong Duy Khang, born in 2008 and an excellent student of PVF, possesses impressive dribbling and finishing abilities. In this tournament, he scored the equalizer in the match against U17 Australia. As a mainstay in the attack, Duy Khang showed excellent technique and spirit — valuable assets of U17 Vietnam .

Born in 2008 and trained at PVF, Hoàng Trọng Duy Khang boasts dribbling finesse and accurate shooting. He scored the equalizer against U17 Australia, cementing his role as a key attacker. His technical brilliance and fighting spirit make him an invaluable member of U17 Vietnam.

Temporary Rankings and Chances of Entering the Quarterfinals

Below are the standings after two matches of Group B:

LocationTeamScoreDifference1Japan4+32UAE3+13U17 Vietnam204Australia1–4

Vietnam U17 is only 1 point behind UAE and 2 points behind Japan. The match against UAE on April 10 will be decisive. If they win, Vietnam U17 will enter the quarter-finals and open up the opportunity to win a ticket to the 2025 U17 World Cup.

U17 Vietnam trails UAE by just one point and Japan by two. Their final group stage match against UAE on April 10 is effectively a do-or-die clash. A victory would guarantee U17 Vietnam a quarter-final berth and potentially a place at the 2025 U17 World Cup.

History of Confrontation and Spiritual Turning Point

Before this draw, U17 Vietnam had faced Japan 5 times at the U17 Asian Cup and lost all of them. Gia Bao’s goal not only won back 1 point, but also ended the losing streak — a great turning point for the young generation.

Prior to this draw, U17 Vietnam had lost all five previous encounters with Japan at the U17 Asian Cup. Gia Bảo’s goal not only secured a vital point but also broke the losing streak — a massive morale booster for the young Vietnamese squad.

AFC U17 Championship 2025 — Launch Pad to World Cup

The 2025 AFC U17 Championship will take place in Saudi Arabia from April 3 to 20, bringing together 16 of the continent’s strongest teams. The top 8 teams in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals and a ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup. With their current form and cohesion, Vietnam U17 can absolutely dream of a second appearance on the world stage after the miracle of 2017.

Taking place in Saudi Arabia from April 3 to 20, the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup features 16 of Asia’s best youth teams. The top two in each group advance to the quarter-finals and qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup. With current form and strong team chemistry, U17 Vietnam is well-positioned to qualify for the world stage once again — after their historic 2017 appearance.

Conclusion — Journey Beyond Limits

The draw against Japan is a testament to the fighting spirit, progress and great potential of the Vietnam U17 team . Names like Tran Gia Bao and Hoang Trong Duy Khang are gradually becoming new symbols of the country’s youth football. With a steady mindset and sharp tactics from coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan, the team can completely continue to write history in this tournament.

The draw against Japan stands as proof of U17 Vietnam’s fighting spirit, progress, and immense potential. Rising stars like Trần Gia Bảo and Hoàng Trọng Duy Khang are poised to lead the nation’s youth football into a new era. Under the tactical guidance of coach Nguyễn Quốc Tuấn, this team has every reason to believe they can go even further.

Who scored the equalizing goal for U17 Việt Nam against Japan in the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup?

Tran Gia Bao scored the last-minute penalty goal to help U17 Vietnam earn a 1–1 draw against Japan.

Which two U17 Việt Nam players were selected for post-match doping tests?

Tran Gia Bao and Hoang Trong Duy Khang were selected for doping tests after the match.

What result does U17 Việt Nam need in their final group match to reach the quarter-finals?

U17 Việt Nam needs to win against UAE in their final group stage match to qualify for the quarter-finals.