On the morning of November 30, the Korean tactician officially announced a 23-man roster for the regional tournament. The decision came after a comprehensive assessment of each player's form, fitness, and tactical suitability throughout various training phases in 2025.

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Vi Hao unexpectedly dropped from the U22 Vietnam squad.

Five players were left out of the final list: defenders Le Van Ha and Dinh Quang Kiet, midfielders Tran Thanh Trung and Nguyen Duc Viet, and striker Bui Vi Hao.

Vi Hao’s omission raised eyebrows, as he is considered one of the most experienced forwards in the U22 team. Viet Kieu (overseas Vietnamese) player Thanh Trung was also expected to replace Van Truong, while Quang Kiet, standing at an impressive 1.95m, had been seen as a promising central defender.

According to Coach Kim Sang Sik, all the excluded players had demonstrated commendable effort in training. However, the coaching staff was compelled to make optimal selections to maintain squad balance and align with the tactical requirements for SEA Games 33.

Vietnam’s U22 team has been drawn into Group B alongside Malaysia and Laos. Under the revised schedule, the team will kick off their campaign against Laos on December 3, followed by a decisive match against Malaysia on December 11. Both fixtures will take place at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

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U22 Vietnam is determined to win gold at SEA Games. Photo: VFF

The team is scheduled to depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok on December 1. With meticulous preparations, Coach Kim Sang Sik and his squad are determined to contend for the SEA Games gold medal.

Khuat Van Khang named U22 Vietnam captain

During a team meeting prior to the squad announcement, Coach Kim Sang Sik appointed midfielder Khuat Van Khang as team captain.

Born in 2003, Van Khang brings extensive international experience, having competed in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, the 2024 AFC U23 Championship, and the 2024 ASEAN Cup.

He also played a key role in U23 Vietnam’s triumph at the 2025 AFF U23 Championship and their qualification for the 2026 AFC U23 finals.

Supporting Van Khang in leadership duties will be vice-captain Nguyen Dinh Bac.

Dai Nam