Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn has stepped down after his U18 team was eliminated from the regional championship. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

HÀ NỘI — Head coach of Việt Nam's U18 football team Hoàng Anh Tuấn has resigned after his team was disqualified from the ASEAN Football Federation U18 Championship yesterday in HCM City.

Việt Nam just needed a 1-0 win over Cambodia in the final Group B game to make semi-finals, but they lost to the underdogs 1-2 at Thống Nhất Stadium.

It was the first time Việt Nam has been defeated by Cambodia at any junior or senior level in an official championship.

The hosts' only goal came in extra time through striker Nguyễn Kim Nhật.

Captain Sieng Chanthea and Thy Lieng scored for the visitors in the second half.

It was the third time in a row Việt Nam's U18s were ousted from the regional tournament.

Tuấn said in the post-match conference that he could make no excuses for the loss.

Vietnamese midfielder Huỳnh Công Đến (right) tries to prevent Cambodian defender Makara Choung from winning a ball during the AFF Championship. — Photo courtesy of VFF

"We lost and were disqualified," said Tuấn. "My players were not really nervous in this match but they were eager to score a goal and it caused many problems. I can take responsibility for the defeat."

"It is youth football and players still have many chances ahead," he added. "They need time to practise more and sharpen their skills."

Elsewhere in the tournament, Australia made the semi-finals in style after trouncing Singapore 5-0. Malaysia lost 0-1 to Thailand but still qualified as the second-placed team.

Next, Australia and play Myanmar while Malaysia will face Indonesia on Saturday. — VNS