Ahead of their departure to Indonesia, the Vietnam U23 national team has finalized its 23-player roster for the 2025 AFF U23 Championship. Head coach Kim Sang Sik emphasized unity, discipline, and a growth mindset as the foundation for their campaign to defend the regional crown.

On July 12, coach Kim officially announced the final squad list. Five players were omitted from the previous shortlist of 28: goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai; defenders Nguyen Hong Phuc and Ho Van Cuong; midfielder Nguyen Duc Viet; and Vietnamese-Czech forward Bui Alex.

The selection follows two recent friendlies against U23 Chinese Taipei and reflects a careful balance of form, tactical suitability, and positional needs. The reduction from 35 to 28, and finally to 23 players, adheres to tournament regulations and strategic assessments by the coaching staff.

Among the omitted players, Bui Alex’s case drew notable attention. The Czech-based striker, currently with the youth team of Bohemians Praha 1905, made his first appearance in a Vietnam U23 training camp and left a positive impression. Reaching the final shortlist marks an important milestone in his integration into Vietnamese football and opens the door for future call-ups.

Speaking on the decision, coach Kim said: “We truly appreciate the commitment and attitude shown by every player throughout the training period. However, with roster limits in place, we had to make the best possible selection to serve our tactical goals. I hope the players who weren’t selected this time continue working hard and stay ready for future opportunities.”

The Vietnam U23 team will depart for Indonesia on the morning of July 14. The tournament runs from July 15 to 29. In the group stage, Vietnam is placed in Group B alongside U23 Laos and U23 Cambodia, with matches scheduled for July 19 and 22.

As defending champions from both the 2022 and 2023 editions, Vietnam enters the competition as a title favorite. Still, coach Kim is cautious about putting pressure on the players: “We’re not chasing results at any cost. What matters most is that the team stays focused, united, and determined to compete. Each match is a chance to learn and grow - the results will naturally follow.”

The South Korean strategist views this tournament as a crucial part of the team’s long-term development, particularly in preparing for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers and the 33rd SEA Games.

“This is an ideal opportunity to evaluate tactical adaptability and real-match performance in a competitive setting,” Kim added.

With a young, carefully selected squad, Vietnam U23 heads to Indonesia poised for a spirited and purposeful campaign that not only defends their title but lays the groundwork for future success.

Dai Nam