Nyugen Thi Thu Huyen has won both of her Group E matches at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and

Nyugen Thi Thu Huyen has won both of her Group E matches at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and now faces the toughest test of her tournament: Kungkaew Kakanik of Thailand, the No. 7 seed, in a winner-take-more group decider, vietnam.vn reported.

The 15-year-old Vietnamese is the only badminton player representing her country in Dakar and carried Vietnam’s flag at the opening ceremony. After two straight-set victories, her record stands at 2-0, but the third match in the group promises to be far more demanding than the first two.

Two Straight-Set Wins Put Thu Huyen at 2-0 in Group E

Thu Huyen opened her tournament by defeating Zahra Robati of Iran 21-14, 21-15, then beat Chiraz Halimi of Algeria 21-7, 21-13. In both matches she controlled the game and built a comfortable lead, but the reports note that neither opponent applied the kind of sustained pressure she is expected to face from Thailand.

The match against Kakanik is set for Nov. 3, 2026, at 23:45 Vietnam time — 16:45 local time in Dakar, Senegal, where the Games are being held.

Kakanik’s Seventh Seed Brings a Different Challenge

As the No. 7 seed in the competition, Kakanik holds an edge in the race for a spot in the next round. According to the report, when the Thai player raises the pace, extends rallies and constantly changes direction, Thu Huyen’s defense and stamina will be tested in ways they were not against Iran and Algeria.

The key, the report says, will be contesting crucial points in the decisive moments. Where Thu Huyen built safe leads earlier, a set against Kakanik is expected to go point by point and be decided in the final exchanges — at which point composure in every shot matters more than risky winners.

Coaching Advice: Keep the Score Close, Cut Unforced Errors

Vietnam’s coaching staff has advised the 15-year-old on how to approach the match. If she lets Kakanik pull ahead early, Thu Huyen would spend the match chasing, draining her energy and adding psychological pressure. Keeping the score tight and proactively controlling the rhythm, the staff said, will keep her competitive.

Against a higher-ranked opponent, the report adds, she will also need to minimize points lost to unforced errors.

A Flag Bearer With U15 Pedigree

At 15, Thu Huyen already has meaningful international youth experience, finishing second in the girls’ singles Under 15 at the 2024 Asian Championships. In Dakar she is Vietnam’s sole badminton representative and was chosen to carry the delegation’s flag at the opening ceremony.

She will also need to adapt tactically during the match, the report notes. When her usual patterns become predictable, she must find ways to change her approach, pick the right moments to attack and avoid falling into her opponent’s game plan — small adjustments can decide a tight contest.

Vietnam’s Youth Olympic History in Badminton

Vietnamese badminton won a bronze medal at the 2010 Youth Olympics through Vu Thi Trang. Sixteen years later, Thu Huyen has the chance to take another step forward — but first she must get past the Thailand challenge.

Thu Huyen won her first two matches with relative ease.