In Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, Indonesia, the Philippines controlled possession for much of the first half and came close to opening the scoring in the 23rd minute when Randy Schneider’s powerful shot hit the crossbar.
Vietnam, however, took the lead two minutes later through a quick attacking move. From a through ball by Le Pham Thanh Long, Williams Minh Hoang pressured a Philippines defender and the deflection fell to Dinh Bac, who tapped the ball into the net.
The Philippines continued to push forward after conceding, but Vietnam’s defense remained composed. The visitors created several chances through short passing moves, with Jarvey Gayoso forcing a save from Patrik Le Giang and Schneider and Bjørn Martin Kristensen also threatening.
Vietnam nearly doubled their lead early in the second half, but Nguyen Xuan Son’s effort went wide. Xuan Son was injured in the 58th minute and was replaced by Nguyen Hai Long.
The Philippines continued to threaten, with Jarvey Gayoso forcing another save from Patrik after taking advantage of a mistake by Bui Hoang Viet Anh.
Vietnam made midfield changes in the 70th minute, bringing on Ngo Dang Khoa and Vo Hoang Minh Khoa for Do Hoang Hen and Thanh Long.
Five minutes later, the Philippines were initially reduced to 10 men when Jesper Nyholm was shown a red card for stopping Ngo Dang Khoa from a clear scoring opportunity. However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review, with the referee ruling that Nyholm had committed no foul.
The Philippines then made several substitutions in search of an equalizer. In the 82nd minute, substitute Kenji Nishioka appeared to score after tapping in a cross from the right, but VAR ruled him offside and the goal was disallowed.
The Philippines pressed heavily in the closing stages. Sebastian Rasmussen’s header in the third minute of added time was brilliantly saved by Patrik, preserving Vietnam’s lead.
After five minutes of stoppage time, Vietnam held on for three points in their opening ASEAN Cup match.