Kakana Khamyok: Thailand U22 is ready for Vietnam U22.
Midfielder Kakana Khamyok affirmed that he is 100% fit, considering the SEA Games 33 final against Vietnam U22 as his farewell match, while Thailand U22 perfected their tactics in their final training session at Rajamangala Stadium.
"This match is very simple: whichever team runs more and makes fewer mistakes will win." Kakana Khamyok's statement encapsulates how the U22 Thailand team is preparing for the SEA Games 33 men's football final against U22 Vietnam, a match scheduled for 7:30 PM on December 18, 2025, at the Rajamangala Stadium.
Final training session: Thailand U22 focuses on every detail.
On the afternoon of December 17, 2025, the U22 Thailand team completed their final training session before the SEA Games 33 final against U22 Vietnam. The training session was designed as a dress rehearsal, with the coaching staff requiring the players to practice all the important drills: attacking organization, defensive system, and set-piece situations.
The way the training content was broken down shows that the U22 Thailand team doesn't want any detail to be overlooked in the gold medal match. Attacking drills focus on fluid coordination, while on the defensive front, concentration and covering ability are prioritized. Set pieces – where even a momentary lapse of concentration can decide the outcome – were also thoroughly reviewed.
Notably, coach Anthony Hudson, head coach of the Thai men's national football team, was present on the field to closely observe and supervise the entire training session. His presence added weight to the dress rehearsal: it was not just a regular training session, but the final preparation for a match that could shape the position of Thai youth football in the region.
Kakana Khamyok: Physical condition 100%, spirit ready for the final fight.
Before training, midfielder Kakana Khamyok, currently playing for Muangthong United, shared his thoughts on his condition and the atmosphere within the team. He emphasized: "Currently, my fitness is at 100%, and I am fully ready to play in tomorrow's match."
Notably, Kakana doesn't see this as pressure, but rather a special opportunity to conclude a chapter: "The match against Vietnam doesn't create too much pressure, because this is the last tournament for some players, including me. Therefore, everyone has to give their best and cherish every moment."
That perspective explains why Kakana prioritizes dedication above all else. For players preparing to retire from the U22 level, the SEA Games 33 final is not just a battle for the gold medal, but also a match to leave their final mark on the regional youth competition.
While respecting the Vietnam U22 team, the Thailand U22 team affirmed that they are not inferior.
In his statement, Kakana clearly showed respect for his opponents: “To be honest, Vietnam is a strong team, but we also have some strengths. However, the whole team must not be complacent.”
This statement shows that the U22 Thailand team correctly assesses the strength of the U22 Vietnam team under coach Kim Sang-ik, while still believing in their own advantages. These could be their teamwork, tactical adaptability, or individual quality in certain positions – factors that the blue-shirted team hopes will be maximized in the decisive match.
Kakana emphasized: "Currently, the Thai team is fully prepared in terms of physical fitness, tactics, and professional strategies for the final match." These three pillars – physical fitness, tactics, and professional skills – are placed side-by-side as a framework that the U22 Thai team believes will help them be ready for any scenario against U22 Vietnam.
The race for physical endurance and mistakes in the SEA Games 33 final.
At the U22 level, where the pace of the game is always high, Kakana's assessment that "the team that runs more and makes fewer mistakes will win" is also how he interprets the upcoming final. It will be a battle where every sprint, every press, every ball handling under pressure could become a turning point.
The fact that the U22 Thailand team spent a lot of time on drills focusing on attacking, defending, and set pieces shows their maximum concentration on the two elements that Kakana mentioned: physical fitness to maintain high intensity, and concentration to minimize mistakes in the most critical moments.
Meanwhile, the U22 Vietnam team – considered a "strong team" – is expected to present a comprehensive challenge in terms of speed, tackling ability, and tactical discipline. This context means the match will not only be a test of skill, but also a test of endurance and mental fortitude for 90 minutes, or longer if necessary.
Kakana's appeal and the significance of the gold medal.
Concluding his speech, Kakana sent a direct message to Thai fans: “Tomorrow is the final match, and it’s the final. I hope the fans will come to the stadium to cheer us on, and the whole team will do their best to win the championship.”
That call clearly reflects the context of the match: the SEA Games 33 final between Vietnam U22 and Thailand U22 is not just a gold medal match, but also a battle to affirm the number one position of Southeast Asian youth football. For players like Kakana, this could be a transition from youth competitions to higher challenges, so every minute played at Rajamangala Stadium becomes even more valuable.
When the ball kicks off at 7:30 PM on December 18, 2025, all the physical, tactical, and psychological preparations that the U22 Thailand team accumulated during their final training session will be put to the test on the pitch. And as Kakana said, the match will most likely be decided by the team that can run more, maintain focus, and make fewer mistakes in the most crucial moments.