Facing weaker opponents, hosts Vietnam applied pressing tactics at the start and their efforts paid off.

Midfielder Thanh Hien opened the scoring from a penalty kick after 38 minutes, putting Vietnam ahead.

Five minutes later, striker Xuan Nam scored another goal, extending Vietnam’s lead.

After the intervals, Vietnamese players continued with the pressing tactics and midfielder Hung Dung hammered the ball into Laos’ net 25 minutes to go. 

Striker Xuan Nam again celebrated his second goal for Vietnam in the extra time.

This was Vietnam’s first win in the tournament’s qualifying round. In their earlier games, hosts Vietnam were held to a 0-0 draw by Malaysia and 2-2 by Myanmar.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) qualified for the final round after crushing Malaysia 4-1 in another game taking place on the same day.

The DPRK will take on Vietnam in the final Group F game on November 8.

Vietnam, ranking second in the group, will have the chance of entering the final round if they win the DPRK.