Yancheng – Midfielder Nguyen Van Truong of Hanoi FC has been elected captain of the U22 Vietnam national team for the CFA Team China 2025 international tournament, as the squad settled into their base in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China, and began preparations on March 18.
The team held its first training session and a meeting to appoint its leadership, with striker Nguyen Quoc Viet and defender Nguyen Nhat Minh selected as vice-captains. The tournament marks a key step in Vietnam’s buildup to the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the 33rd SEA Games.
Nguyen Van Truong’s appointment as captain comes as little surprise. The 2003-born midfielder brings a wealth of experience, having been called up multiple times to various levels of Vietnam’s national teams. His leadership on the pitch for Hanoi FC, combined with his familiarity with high-stakes environments, made him a natural choice for the armband. “It’s an honor to lead this team,” Truong said after the announcement. “We’re here to compete and grow together.”
The squad arrived in Yancheng on March 17 and wasted no time getting to work. Following the leadership meeting, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh oversaw a training session focused on tactical solutions for their opening match against U22 South Korea on March 20 at 2:30 p.m. local time. With the tournament organizers opting not to allow teams to train on the match场地 to preserve the pitch, U22 Vietnam will instead visit the Yancheng Olympic Sports Center Stadium on March 19 for a walkthrough. “Seeing the venue will help the players visualize the game,” Coach Vinh explained.
On the same day, the coaching staff will attend a technical meeting to finalize tournament regulations, while Coach Vinh joins his counterparts from U22 South Korea, Uzbekistan, and host China at a press conference. “We’re preparing with full focus,” Vinh said. “Facing strong teams like these is exactly what we need to sharpen our edge for the U23 qualifiers and SEA Games.” Vietnam’s schedule pits them against South Korea on March 20, Uzbekistan on March 23, and China on March 25—each a test of their rising talent.
Nguyen Van Truong’s leadership will be crucial as the team blends youth and ambition. Nguyen Quoc Viet, a dynamic forward, and Nguyen Nhat Minh, a steady defender, complement Truong’s midfield presence, forming a balanced leadership trio. The 25-player squad, drawn from Vietnam’s top clubs, is eager to make an impression. “We’ve got a mix of energy and experience,” Truong noted. “It’s about stepping up against tough opponents.”
The CFA Team China 2025 tournament, now in its second year for Vietnam after their 2024 debut, offers a rare chance to face off against Asia’s best youth teams. South Korea brings technical prowess, Uzbekistan physicality, and China home-field intensity under coach Antonio. For U22 Vietnam, it’s a proving ground. “These matches are more than friendlies—they’re building blocks,” said a team official. “Nguyen Van Truong knows how to rally the group.”
Back home, fans are rallying behind the young squad. With live broadcasts planned, anticipation is high for the March 20 opener. A strong showing could signal Vietnam’s readiness for bigger challenges ahead, while Truong’s captaincy debut adds an extra layer of intrigue. As the team trains under Yancheng’s crisp spring skies, their focus is clear: start strong, learn fast, and aim high.
Leave a Reply