Nguyen Cong Phuong scored a brace for Vietnam U-22 in a comfortable 4-1 win against Cambodia in the SEA Games group stage match on Thursday at Shah Alam Stadium.
The Vietnam side took the game to their opponents from the opening whistle, however, it was not until the first stoppage time of the first half were the Nguyen Huu Thang’s side rewarded with a goal from Phuong.
In the second half, Vietnam played with a more attacking-minded strategy from the kick-off. It took 25 minutes for the Young Golden Stars to double the lead with the free kick from midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai.
Five minutes later, Phuong continued the attacking momentum as he scored his second goal with a perfect free kick. The striker also provided an assist for his team-mate Tuan Tai, who put his side four goals up with a shot from a tight angle.
Cambodia were given a penalty-kick later on when defender Bui Tien Dung handled the ball in the box. Nen Sothearoth kept his calm to convert it, scoring the first goal of the tournament for Cambodia.
Vietnam, who now have two wins, will play Indonesia on Sunday at the same venue.