Coach Kim Sang Sik finalizes Vietnam national team roster for Asian Cup qualifiers

04/10/2025 13:41:00 PANDATV

Vietnam’s national team has officially secured a full squad of 23 players for the two matches against Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

As previously reported, midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai will be unable to join Vietnam’s team for the matches against Nepal on October 9 and 14 due to injury.

According to the Vietnam Football Federation, on October 3, one day before the scheduled team gathering, Quang Hai underwent an MRI scan to assess the extent of his injury. The results indicated that he requires additional rest to ensure proper recovery. Head coach Kim Sang Sik agreed with the medical recommendation and informed the federation’s leadership of the decision to exclude Quang Hai from this training camp, while encouraging him to focus on treatment.

Notably, coach Kim Sang Sik chose not to call up a replacement for Quang Hai, keeping the squad size at 23 players — exactly the number allowed for competition registration.

HLV Kim Sang Sik chốt danh sách ĐT Việt Nam dự VL Asian Cup 716185 — Vietnam national team roster for the two matches against Nepal (Photo: VFF)

Quang Hai’s absence will certainly impact the strength of Vietnam’s midfield, especially since he is regarded as a key creative player. Although he is no longer at his peak performance, Hai “con” remains a star in major tournaments and crucial matches.

On the other hand, Quang Hai’s unavailability provides coach Kim Sang Sik an opportunity to test young talents like Xuan Bac, Van Khang, Phi Hoang, among others. Additionally, Vietnam’s midfield boasts quality players such as Hoang Duc, Hai Long, Duc Chien, and most recently Le Pham Thanh Long.

According to the plan, today (October 4), the Vietnam national team will officially assemble in Ho Chi Minh City. Coach Kim Sang Sik’s squad will have five days of training before the first leg against Nepal at 7:30 PM on October 9 at Go Dau Stadium (Thu Dau Mot, Ho Chi Minh City). The second leg will take place at 7:30 PM on October 14 at Thong Nhat Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City).

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