Vietnam's upcoming match against Kyrgyzstan will provide another opportunity for head coach Kim Sang Sik to experiment with his squad, with overseas Vietnamese center-back Luong Chi Khai emerging as one of the most intriguing prospects.

In Vietnam's 2-0 victory over Chinese Taipei at Thien Truong Stadium on November 11, Kim handed opportunities to several young and newly called-up players at the Casper Cup 2026.

Among them were Nguyen Hong Phuc, Pham Minh Phuc, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, Tran Ngoc Son and Olaha Manh Duc.

Hong Phuc impressed by providing the assist for Olaha's goal, while Quoc Cuong performed well in controlling the midfield.

Up front, naturalized striker Olaha Manh Duc opened the scoring for Vietnam and received praise from Kim after the match.

However, following the victory, goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang, midfielder Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, defender Nguyen Nhat Minh and striker Olaha Manh Duc left the national team to return to Ho Chi Minh City Police FC.

The four players are preparing for the 2026/27 ASEAN Club Championship with their club.

Their departures mean Vietnam's starting lineup against Kyrgyzstan on November 17 will undergo significant changes.

Kim is expected to field a team featuring at least half a dozen different players as he assesses their abilities and adaptation to the national team's tactical system.

Rather than relying heavily on familiar faces, the South Korean coach wants to explore the full depth of his squad.

The tournament offers him a valuable opportunity to evaluate emerging players ahead of Vietnam's future international commitments.

Following the opening match, nine of the 24 players in the squad had yet to feature.

Provided they have no fitness concerns, most of them are expected to receive playing time against Kyrgyzstan.

Luong Chi Khai eyes national team debut

With Patrik Le Giang returning to his club, goalkeepers Trung Kien and Van Viet are in contention for a place in the starting lineup.

At center-back, newcomer Luong Chi Khai, also known as Kyle Colonna, is attracting particular attention.

Having remained on the bench for Vietnam's opening match, he could make his first appearance for the national team in the final fixture of the Casper Cup 2026.

Born in the United States in 1999, Chi Khai previously played for Hanoi FC before joining The Cong Viettel.

His height and familiarity with Vietnamese football could prove valuable as he seeks to impress Kim Sang Sik.

The match against Kyrgyzstan represents an important opportunity for the defender to demonstrate his abilities and compete for a longer-term place in the national team.

Other players awaiting opportunities include Duc Anh, Quang Vinh, Nhat Nam and Dang Duong.

Kim is also expected to give them playing time as he continues evaluating the squad.

All will be eager to make the most of their opportunities and strengthen their chances of being selected for future national team training camps.

Dai Nam