Singapore produced a disciplined defensive masterclass to frustrate defending champions Vietnam, battling to a hard-earned 0-0 draw at My Dinh National Stadium on Friday night to remain at the summit of Group A in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.
While Kim Sang-sik’s Vietnam dominated possession and created the better chances throughout the contest, the hosts were repeatedly denied by veteran goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, who inspired Singapore to a valuable point with another commanding performance.
The result leaves Gavin Lee’s side firmly in control of Group A with seven points from three matches, one point ahead of Indonesia, while Vietnam remain third on four points after two games. Vietnam’s next assignment is now a blockbuster showdown against Indonesia in Bogor on Monday.
Playing in front of their home supporters, Vietnam controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, pinning Singapore deep inside their own half for long spells.
The warning signs arrived early when Nguyen Dinh Bac fired narrowly into the side netting before Truong Tien Anh tested Izwan Mahbud with a powerful long-range strike that took a slight deflection, forcing the Singapore captain into an excellent save.
Vietnam continued to pile on the pressure.
Dinh Bac volleyed over the crossbar, Nguyen Xuan Son flashed an effort wide, while defender Nguyen Thanh Chung came close with a towering header after meeting Nguyen Hoang Duc’s dangerous delivery.
Hoang Duc then rattled the crossbar with a stunning long-range effort as Singapore struggled to escape their own defensive third during an overwhelming first-half display from the reigning champions.
Further efforts from Do Hoang Hen and another header by Thanh Chung narrowly missed the target, but Singapore somehow survived to reach halftime level.
Despite Vietnam’s relentless pressure, Singapore refused to panic. Led by the experienced Izwan Mahbud, the Lions defended with remarkable discipline and organisation, frustrating the home side at every opportunity.
The veteran goalkeeper commanded his penalty area confidently while his defenders consistently threw bodies in front of Vietnamese shots.
Their resilience would ultimately earn a priceless point. Although Vietnam continued to dictate possession after the restart, Singapore became increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack.
Song Ui-young came within inches of giving the visitors a shock lead when his effort drifted narrowly past the post.
The Lions then created what proved to be the best opportunity of the match with less than 15 minutes remaining.
Kyoga Nakamura delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area where Jacob Mahler’s close-range effort was brilliantly saved by Vietnamese goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang.
The rebound fell kindly to Ilhan Fandi, who immediately squared the ball for Shawal Anuar, only for the forward to somehow head over the crossbar from close range with the goal at his mercy.
Vietnam responded instantly. Substitute Nguyen Thai Loc unleashed a powerful 20-yard strike that crashed against the crossbar—Vietnam’s second effort to be denied by the woodwork on the night.
Singapore continued to threaten in the closing minutes, with Shawal Anuar almost stealing victory when his deflected effort forced another outstanding save from Patrik Le Giang.
However, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough as the final whistle confirmed a share of the points.
The draw keeps Singapore unbeaten and strengthens their grip on first place in Group A with seven points.
Indonesia sit second on six points from two matches, setting up a crucial clash against Vietnam, whose tally of four points leaves no room for error if the defending champions hope to reach the knockout stage.
While Vietnam will regret their wasteful finishing after dominating much of the contest, Singapore will celebrate a resilient defensive performance that could prove pivotal in the race for a semi-final place.
With the tournament entering its decisive phase, Group A remains finely balanced—and Monday’s showdown between Vietnam and Indonesia now carries enormous significance in the battle for qualification.
Credit Photo : ZNews
