Laotian fans: 'Vietnamese brothers, please win the championship to avenge us'

After missing out on their dream final, the Laotian football fan community has turned to fervently support the Vietnamese U17 team, believing that Coach Roland and his players will claim the title.

The 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Championship has determined the final two contenders for the championship: Vietnam U17 and Malaysia U17. While Malaysia defeated Laos 3-0 in a match where they gained an early numerical advantage, Vietnam U17 created a true seismic event by mounting a comeback to defeat the reigning champion, Australia U17, with a score of 2-1.

This victory not only secured Vietnam's fifth final appearance in history but also established the "Golden Star Warriors" as the biggest nemesis of Australian football in the regional youth tournament.

This is the third time Vietnam has defeated Australia—a record no other Southeast Asian team has achieved. Despite conceding a goal in the 10th minute, the composure of Coach Roland's team allowed them to hold firm, equalizing through Manh Cuong's headed follow-up and sealing the win with Nguyen Luc's close-range finish in the 60th minute.

Witnessing the courageous performance of Vietnam U17, the Laotian fan community—who had just regretfully halted their journey in the semifinals—expressed special admiration for the red-shirted team.

On sports forums, many fans from the Land of a Million Elephants openly expressed their hope that Vietnam would defeat Malaysia to claim the crown. One fan shared: “Vietnam U17 played with such composure against Australia; they deserve to be champions. I hope you will defeat Malaysia in the final to affirm your position as the region's number one.”.

Other opinions also expressed optimism about Vietnam's chances, recalling their emphatic 4-0 victory over Malaysia in the group stage. Fan Chanthaphone predicted: “I believe Vietnam will win 2-0. Their play is more cohesive and technically superior to Malaysia's. Please win the championship to avenge us, brothers!”.

Moreover, another Laotian fan offered encouragement: “Malaysia only beat us due to an early red card advantage. Vietnam, please seek justice for us with a convincing victory in the final.”.

The final on the evening of April 24 is not only an opportunity for Vietnam U17 to set a record of four tournament championships but also a stage for Coach Roland and his team to demonstrate significant tactical maturity. With support from neutral fans, especially their Laotian neighbors, Vietnam U17 stands before a major opportunity to ascend to the highest podium of Southeast Asian youth football.