Coach Kim Sang Sik intends to rest Tiến Dũng and Hoàng Đức.

12/10/2025 06:50:00 pandatv

Center-back Bùi Tiến Dũng and midfielder Nguyễn Hoàng Đức did not participate in the Vietnam national team’s training on the afternoon of October 11 at Thống Nhất Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City), which surprised many.

It was found that both players were injured and only engaged in recovery training separately at the hotel. Specifically, Bùi Tiến Dũng has experienced back pain since the Vietnam team gathered in Thủ Dầu Một. However, according to doctor Trần Huy Thọ, their injuries are not serious, and Coach Kim Sang Sik wants to give them rest to recover.

Before the first leg match against Nepal on October 9, center-back Bùi Tiến Dũng also had to train separately at the hotel for several sessions and only played the first half before being replaced by Nguyễn Văn Vĩ.

Hoàng Đức (number 14) was not in his best physical condition. Photo: VFF

Meanwhile, Hoàng Đức still took the field in midfield during the match at Gò Đậu Stadium, helping the Vietnam team achieve a 3-1 victory.

With the uncertain fitness of Tiến Dũng and Hoàng Đức, along with inconsistent performance from several positions ranging from defense to forward, Coach Kim Sang Sik is likely to make changes in Vietnam’s starting lineup for the rematch against Nepal at 7:30 PM on October 14.

During the training session on the afternoon of October 11, Coach Kim Sang Sik had his players start with light warm-up exercises for relaxation before moving on to coordinated attacking and defensive drills. The players who started in the first leg on October 9 only did light movements to recover their stamina, aiming to be in optimal shape for the rematch.

Defender Cao Quang Vinh expressed his emotions after teammate Duy Mạnh handed him the captain’s armband before leaving the field in the recent victory over Nepal. He said:

"I am very proud and happy to wear the captain’s armband of the Vietnam national team. Honestly, I did not expect to be part of the leadership group and to receive this opportunity, especially in a match where the team won. I feel very comfortable playing for Vietnam; everyone in the team welcomed me warmly."

Looking forward to the second leg, Quang Vinh stressed that the team needs to improve its pressing ability and maintain concentration:

"We need to be more aggressive when losing possession, strive to pressure the opponents, and maintain solid defense. Regarding other aspects, I think the whole team has performed quite well."

This morning (October 12), tickets for the second leg between Vietnam and Nepal will be sold directly at the counter at Thống Nhất Stadium. Ticket sales will be available in two time slots: from 9:30 to 11:30 AM and from 3:30 to 7:00 PM.

On match day (October 14), tickets will be sold from 9:30 to 11:30 AM and 3:00 to 7:30 PM, or until sold out—whichever occurs first.

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