HAGL goalkeeper helps Vietnam U22 defeat Thailand, win SEA Games championship.
Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, a former pupil of coach Kiatisuk, shone in the dramatic final match, making a significant contribution to helping the Vietnam U22 team win the SEA Games 33 gold medal after a four-year wait.
On the evening of December 18th, the Vietnam U22 team officially won the gold medal in men's football at the 33rd SEA Games after defeating Thailand U22 3-2 in a dramatic final match. This victory not only ended a four-year wait for fans but also marked a significant achievement for goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, who plays for Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club.
A reliable defensive barrier on the road to the championship.
Tran Trung Kien was an indispensable factor in the success of the Vietnam U22 team at the 2025 tournament. He started in all four matches, showing consistent form and becoming a solid pillar for the defense. Despite conceding two goals in the nail-biting final against Thailand and one goal in the group stage against Laos, his overall performance was still very impressive.
In particular, the 22-year-old goalkeeper kept two crucial clean sheets against Malaysia and the Philippines, directly contributing to Vietnam U22's advancement to the final match. His reliability and outstanding saves made a huge difference at decisive moments.
The mark of the Thai coach.
An interesting detail that makes Trung Kien's story special is that he was once a student of coach Kiatisuk Senamuang, a legend of Thai football, during the time he coached Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club. Under the guidance of "Thai Zico," Trung Kien made remarkable progress.
During his time at HAGL, coach Kiatisuk gave this young goalkeeper the opportunity to play in 8 matches. Although he conceded 11 goals, Trung Kien still managed one clean sheet and gained valuable experience. This period honed his character and skills, making him the first-choice goalkeeper for HAGL and later the number one choice for the Vietnam U22 team.
Trung Kien's success at the SEA Games 33 became even more special when he shone brightly against the team from his former coach's hometown. The gold medal was not only the achievement of the entire U22 Vietnam team but also a significant milestone, affirming the maturity of goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, an outstanding product of the Hoang Anh Gia Lai training academy.
