Bui Vi Hao returns, U22 Vietnam finalizes Panda Cup list
Coach Kim Sang-sik announced the 26 players for the 2025 CFA Team China Panda Cup, welcoming back Bui Vi Hao and adding 1m96 center back Dinh Quang Kiet. The tournament is a key review step before the 33rd SEA Games.
U22 Vietnam has finalized 26 players for the 2025 CFA Team China Panda Cup, with two highlights: striker Bui Vi Hao returns after an ankle injury and the appearance of 1m96 tall center back Dinh Quang Kiet. This is an important training session for coach Kim Sang-sik to complete the squad towards the goal of winning the 33rd SEA Games gold medal.
Bui Vi Hao returns and signals for the attack line
After a long time of treating an ankle injury, Bui Vi Hao (Becamex TP.HCM) has recovered and returned. He is expected to increase the firepower of the U22 Vietnam forward line, continuing the form he left at the AFF Cup 2024. The return of a striker who can play many roles helps the coaching staff expand pressing and transition plans.
Dinh Quang Kiet and the solution to air combat
Center back Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL) is a face that attracts attention. With his outstanding physique, he is considered the new "tower" of the defense, promising to improve the ability to defend high balls and set pieces. Along with that is the ability to read situations and choose positions that has been shown in the HAGL shirt this season, thereby increasing the depth of the defense system.
Experienced framework and “key investment” orientation
This list gathers many players who have played for the national team such as Trung Kien, Van Khang, Dinh Bac, Thanh Nhan, Nhat Minh, Xuan Bac and Hieu Minh. Maintaining a core of players with international experience, plus faces with good form in V-League such as Ly Duc, Van Thuan, Ngoc My, Quoc Viet, shows the clear direction of coach Kim Sang-sik for the gold medal campaign of SEA Games 33.
Panda Cup 2025 meeting plan and match schedule
U22 Vietnam gathered on November 10 at the Vietnam Youth Football Center (Hanoi). In the first phase, coach Dinh Hong Vinh temporarily led the team, before coach Kim Sang-sik directly took charge.
- Travel: To Chengdu (China) to attend CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025.
- Match schedule: against China (November 12), Uzbekistan (November 15), South Korea (November 18).
- Objective: "total test" to review the team, adjust tactics and evaluate the performance of key players before SEA Games 33.
Roadmap to SEA Games 33
After the Panda Cup, the team will have a short break and then train in Vung Tau from November 23-29. U22 Vietnam is expected to travel to Ho Chi Minh City before leaving for Thailand on December 2.
- SEA Games 33 group stage: meet U22 Laos (December 5) and U22 Malaysia (December 11) at 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai.
- Knockout round: semi-finals on December 15; finals and bronze medal match at Rajamangala (Bangkok) on December 18.
List of 26 U22 Vietnam players
| Location | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper (3) | Tran Trung Kien | HAGL |
| Cao Van Binh | SLNA | |
| Nguyen Tan | Ho Chi Minh City Police | |
| Defender (8) | Le Van Ha | Hanoi |
| Vo Anh Quan | ||
| Nguyen Hieu Minh | PVF-CAND | |
| Dang Tuan Phong | The Cong | |
| Pham Ly Duc | CAHN | |
| Nguyen Duc Anh | Da Nang | |
| Dinh Quang Kiet | HAGL | |
| Nguyen Nhat Minh | Hai Phong | |
| Midfielder (10) | Nguyen Van Truong | Hanoi |
| Nguyen Cong Phuong | ||
| Khuat Van Khang | The Cong | |
| Pham Minh Phuc | CAHN | |
| Nguyen Thai Son | ||
| Le Van Thuan | Thanh Hoa | |
| Viktor Le | Ha Tinh | |
| Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong | Ho Chi Minh City Police | |
| Nguyen Phi Hoang | Da Nang | |
| Nguyen Xuan Bac | PVF-CAND | |
| Forward (5) | Nguyen Ngoc My | Thanh Hoa |
| Nguyen Quoc Viet | Ninh Binh | |
| Nguyen Dinh Bac | CAHN | |
| Nguyen Thanh Nhan | PVF-CAND | |
| Bui Vi Hao | Ho Chi Minh City Club |
Tactical impact
The 5 forwards, 10 midfielders structure allows for flexibility in switching between control and transition systems. The presence of a large central defender provides additional vertical protection and increases the set-piece attack, while the attack gains more finishing options after Bui Vi Hao’s recovery. The Panda Cup, with three opponents of different styles, is a good gauge to fine-tune the team’s shape, the intensity of the press and the way the defensive block operates.
