This year the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho will host the Thanh Nien Newspaper International U21 Football Tournament for the second time since 2014, the championships’ organiser said at a press conference on December 11.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai vs Yokohama in the semi-final match of the Thanh Nien Newspaper International U21 Football Tournament last year. (Photo: bongdaplus.vn)

The event is scheduled to take place at the Can Tho Stadium from December 12-22, featuring five teams, namely U21 Yokohama of Japan, U21 Thailand, U21 Myanmar, U21 and U19 Vietnam.

Participants will compete in a round robin format, with the two best teams vying for the cup. The winner will pocket 12,000 USD, and the runners-up, 7,000 USD and 5,000 USD.

Head of the organising board Nguyen Cong Khe said preparation has been completed.

According to the Vietnam Football Federation, a strong Vietnamese U21 side will be selected, with many players competing in the U20 World Cup earlier this year.

The U21 Vietnam are scheduled to meet Thailand in the opening match on December 12, then the U19 Vietnam will play Yokohama two days later.-VNA