Gia Bao praises Xuan Son's class, Vietnam national team waits for Laos
The Vietnamese team had their first practice session in Laos on the afternoon of November 16, preparing for the official match at 7:00 p.m. on November 19; new recruit Khong Minh Gia Bao called Xuan Son a world-class striker.
On the afternoon of November 16 in Laos, new recruit Khong Minh Gia Bao called Xuan Son a “class striker” right in the first training session of the Vietnam National Team in Laos. The team is looking forward to the official match at 7:00 p.m. on November 19 at the Laos National Stadium.
Newcomer Khong Minh Gia Bao praises Xuan Son for his class
Chosen to answer the media, central defender Khong Minh Gia Bao – who is participating in the Vietnam national team for the first time – clearly praised striker Xuan Son, the naturalized striker who just returned after 10 months of injury.
“It is clear that Mr. Xuan Son is a very good player. He has proven that in both the V-League arena and when he joined the Vietnam national team. He is a top striker. Although he has just returned, his form may not be at its best, but training with him helps me learn a lot of things.”
Vietnam National Team's schedule in Laos
The Vietnam national football team arrived in Laos on the morning of November 15. Coach Kim Sang Sik let the whole team rest and only practice at the hotel gym on the first day. On the afternoon of November 16, the team entered the first training session at the field, aiming for the official match taking place at 7:00 p.m. on November 19 at the Laos National Stadium.
Profile and performance of Khong Minh Gia Bao
Khong Minh Gia Bao, born in 2000, is considered a central defender with good tracking and pressing ability, good physical strength and flexible use of both feet. He grew up at the People's Public Security Club, played for Phu Dong Ninh Binh, then joined Quang Nam Club before moving to CA TP.HCM in August 2025. Gia Bao played for U20 Vietnam and is one of the young defenders with good form.
At CA TP.HCM, Gia Bao is a mainstay with the highest number of minutes played in the team. In V-League this season, he started 9/10 matches, including 8 matches playing the full 90 minutes. The only match he did not play was due to suspension for receiving 3 yellow cards.
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Main match in V-League this season | 9/10 |
| The match lasts 90 minutes. | 8 |
| Absent match | 1 (suspension due to 3 yellow cards) |
Youthful breeze and expectations
Along with Khong Minh Gia Bao (HCMC Police), striker Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong (Becamex HCMC) are two new recruits called up to prepare for the match against Laos, promising to bring a breath of fresh air to the team.
The appreciation for Xuan Son does not only come from the rookie. According to the record, captain of the Vietnam national team Do Duy Manh also gave many compliments for the return of this striker. In the context of the whole team just stabilizing the training rhythm in Laos, the positive signals within the team show the readiness before the competition day.
Key Information
- Vietnam national team had their first training session in Laos on the afternoon of November 16 after arriving on the morning of November 15.
- The official match takes place at 7:00 p.m. on November 19 at Laos National Stadium.
- Khong Minh Gia Bao called Xuan Son a "class striker", affirming that he learned a lot when practicing together.
- Gia Bao is a pillar of HCMC Police: starting 9/10 V-League matches this season, playing the full 90 minutes in 8 matches.
- Two new recruits were summoned: Khong Minh Gia Bao (HCMC Police) and Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong (Becamex HCMC).
