China U22 vs Vietnam U22: An opening test for the Panda Cup
At 6:35 PM on November 12th, Vietnam U22 will face host China U22 at the Panda Cup 2025: a test of physical fitness for Behram Abduweli, with the core players Quoc Viet, Van Khang, and Thai Son.
At 6:35 PM on November 12th (Vietnam time), the Vietnam U22 team kicked off their CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025 international friendly match against the host team, China U22. This was a clear test of physical strength and aerial ability, as their opponent boasted a 1.88m tall striker, Behram Abduweli, while interim coach Dinh Hong Vinh and his team viewed the tournament as an important dress rehearsal before the 33rd SEA Games.
Match information
- Tournament: CFA Team China – Panda Cup 2025 International Friendly Match
- Location: China
- Time: 6:35 PM on November 12, 2025 (Vietnam time)
Context and form
China's U22 team is participating in the tournament as the host nation, maintaining their match rhythm through friendly games. The squad includes a player currently playing in Europe: midfielder Wang Bohao (Den Bosch FC, Netherlands).
The U22 Vietnam team is fielding its strongest possible squad, viewing the Panda Cup as a warm-up for the SEA Games 33. However, interim coach Dinh Hong Vinh is facing personnel difficulties in training sessions due to a group of players joining late because of their domestic match schedule. Nevertheless, the core players have trained together many times, helping to maintain their cohesion.
Head-to-head statistics and psychology
Although it's only a friendly tournament, the Vietnam U22 team has reason to be confident. Sources indicate that coach Dinh Hong Vinh's players are in good spirits thanks to their previous positive results against China's youth teams.
Tactics and hotspots
The opening match is an opportunity for the Vietnam U22 team to test their tactical options and personnel. The key areas are expected to be aerial duels and high balls, given that the China U22 team boasts a 1.88m tall striker, Behram Abduweli. The Vietnam U22 defense's ability to choose positions, provide cover, and win aerial challenges will be a crucial test.
Conversely, the Vietnam U22 team relies on the understanding of their core players who have played together for many years. The tempo of their attacks and the coordinated triangles between the midfield and the forwards need to be maintained to reduce the physical pressure from the home team.
Force
- China U22: The squad is mainly composed of players who play domestically, with the exception of Wang Bohao.
- Vietnam U22: Only one day of full squad training before the match. Players from Hanoi FC, CAHN, and Ha Tinh such as Van Truong, Van Ha, Dinh Bac, Minh Phuc, and Viktor Le joined the team late, but their teamwork is considered not a major issue.
Predicted lineup
| China U22 | Vietnam U22 |
|---|---|
| Li Hao | Trung Kien |
| Peng Xiao | Ly Duc |
| Liu Haofan | Hieu Minh |
| Alex Yang | Nhat Minh |
| Bao Shinmieng | Xuan Bac |
| Xu Bin | Thai Son |
| Yang Haoyu | Van Khang |
| Kuai Jiwen | Cong Phuong |
| Chan Zheshi | Ngoc My |
| Wang Bohao | Thanh Nhan |
| Behram Abduweli | Quoc Viet |
Players worth watching
Behram Abduweli
The 1.88m tall striker is a constant threat in aerial duels. His ability to hold off defenders and occupy space poses a challenge for the Vietnam U22 team in organizing their zonal defense.
Nguyen Quoc Viet
"The King of Youth Tournaments," along with Van Khang and Thai Son, forms the core strength of the Vietnam U22 team. Their experience and understanding of each other are key to maintaining the attacking rhythm.
Analysis and predictions
The result isn't the top priority in a friendly tournament, but a victory would be of great morale to the Vietnam U22 team ahead of the SEA Games. China U22 has the home advantage and physical superiority, while Vietnam U22 possesses a core group of experienced players and confidence. If they can maintain cohesion, a good performance is within reach.
Forecast:China U22 1-2 Vietnam U22.
