Vietnam U23's No.1 center-back may make his debut against Nepal

Center-back Hiểu Minh could make his first appearance for Vietnam in the return match against Nepal due to the absence of his senior teammate Bùi Tiến Dũng.

From the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship to the 2026 AFC U23 qualifiers, Hiểu Minh has consistently been the top choice at center-back. With good height, a calm playing style, and precise reading of the game, he is a stopper-type defender who leads the backline effectively and has earned high praise from coach Kim Sang Sik.

Called up to the Vietnam national team for the first time, Hiểu Minh will have the opportunity to gain experience from seniors like Duy Mạnh and Bùi Tiến Dũng. In the first match against Nepal on the evening of October 9th, Hiểu Minh did not play a single minute as coach Kim Sang Sik preferred experienced players such as Duy Mạnh, Bùi Tiến Dũng, Xuân Mạnh, followed by Văn Vĩ and Đức Chiến.

However, with Bùi Tiến Dũng injured and likely unable to participate in the second leg, an opportunity is opening up for Hiểu Minh. Coach Kim Sang Sik no longer has a pure center-back to fill that position, so Hiểu Minh could start the match. This is an excellent chance for Vietnam U23's top center-back to make his official debut for the senior national team.

This squad includes eight young players from the U23 team that recently won the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship and advanced through the 2026 AFC U23 qualifiers: Trần Trung Kiên, Khuất Văn Khang, Nguyễn Hiểu Minh, Nguyễn Xuân Bắc, Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn, Nguyễn Phi Hoàng, Nguyễn Nhật Minh, and Nguyễn Đình Bắc.

Among them, Xuân Bắc, Hiểu Minh, Phi Hoàng, and Nhật Minh are four players called up to the Vietnam national team for the first time and have yet to debut. Coach Kim Sang Sik favored experienced players in the first leg, but now might be the moment for the Korean coach to take bolder steps.

Besides Hiểu Minh, another expected change is in the goalkeeper position. Văn Lâm, who has weaknesses in playing with his feet, may give way to younger goalkeeper Trung Kiên. The young HAGL keeper is currently in good form and has substantial playing experience despite his youth.