Bui Vi Hao makes a comeback, Vietnam U22 finalizes Panda Cup squad.
Coach Kim Sang-sik announced the 26-player squad for the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025, welcoming back Bui Wei Hao and adding 1.96m tall center-back Dinh Quang Kiet. The tournament is a crucial test run before the 33rd SEA Games.
The Vietnam U22 team has finalized its 26-player squad for the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025, with two key highlights: striker Bui Vi Hao returning after an ankle injury and the inclusion of 1.96m tall center-back Dinh Quang Kiet. This is an important training session for coach Kim Sang-sik to perfect the team's lineup in pursuit of the SEA Games 33 gold medal.
Bui Vi Hao's return sends a signal for the attack.
After a long period of treatment for an ankle injury, Bui Vi Hao (Becamex Ho Chi Minh City) has recovered and returned to action. He is expected to increase the attacking firepower of the Vietnam U22 team, continuing the form he showed at the 2024 AFF Cup. The return of a versatile center forward will help the coaching staff expand their pressing options and transition between attacking and defensive phases.
Dinh Quang Kiet and the solution for air combat.
Center-back Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL) is attracting attention. With his outstanding physique, he is considered the new "tower" of the defense, promising to improve the ability to defend against aerial balls and set pieces. Along with that, his ability to read situations and choose positions, demonstrated in the HAGL jersey this season, will add depth to the defensive system.
A framework rich in experience and focused on "key investments".
This list includes many players who have previously 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, along with those in good form in the V-League like Ly Duc, Van Thuan, Ngoc My, and Quoc Viet, shows Coach Kim Sang-sik's clear direction for the SEA Games 33 gold medal campaign.
Panda Cup 2025 Team Assembly Plan and Schedule
The Vietnam U22 team will assemble on November 10th at the Vietnam Youth Football Center (Hanoi). Initially, coach Dinh Hong Vinh will temporarily lead the team, before coach Kim Sang-sik takes direct charge.
- Travel: To Chengdu (China) to participate in the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025.
- Match schedule: against China (November 12), Uzbekistan (November 15), South Korea (November 18).
- Objective: A "total test" to review the squad, adjust tactics, and assess the form of key players ahead of the SEA Games 33.
Roadmap towards SEA Games 33
After the Panda Cup, the team will have a short break before training in Vung Tau from November 23-29. The Vietnam U22 team is expected to travel to Ho Chi Minh City before departing for Thailand on December 2.
- SEA Games 33 Group Stage: Matches against U22 Laos (December 5) and U22 Malaysia (December 11) at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai.
- Knockout rounds: semi-finals on December 15th; final and bronze medal match will take place at Rajamangala (Bangkok) on December 18th.
List of 26 players for Vietnam U22
| 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 five forwards, ten midfielders formation allows for flexible switching between control-oriented and transitional systems. The presence of a tall center-back provides additional protection along the central axis and increases the number of set-piece attacking options, while the attack gains more finishing options after Bui Vi Hao's recovery. The Panda Cup, with three opponents of different styles, is a suitable benchmark for fine-tuning team spacing, pressing intensity, and defensive block operation.
