Kuala Lumpur, April 10, 2025 – Kim Sang Sik, head coach of the Vietnam national team, has been selected to helm the “ASEAN All-Stars” in a high-profile friendly against Manchester United this summer. Fresh off guiding Vietnam to the 2024 ASEAN Cup title, Kim’s appointment was confirmed by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) today.
Kim Sang Sik’s Vietnam clinched the ASEAN Cup in December 2024, finishing unbeaten and defeating Thailand in both legs of the final—1-0 at home and 2-1 away. The AFF lauded his leadership, citing his integrity, discipline, and vision as key to Vietnam’s triumph, their first regional title since 2018 under Park Hang Seo. Now, Kim will unite Southeast Asia’s finest talents to face the English Premier League giants.
Expressing his excitement, Kim said: “It’s a great honor to coach the best players from across ASEAN nations in such a significant match. We’re not just representing our countries—we’re showcasing the pride, spirit, and strength of our region to the world.” The 48-year-old South Korean, who took Vietnam’s reins in May 2024, has earned plaudits for blending youth—like Hanoi Police FC’s Nguyen Quang Hai—and veterans into a cohesive unit.
AFF President Lieutenant General Khiev Sameth praised the choice: “Coach Kim Sang Sik embodies progress and professionalism. His leadership will inspire not only the team but also a generation of players and fans across Southeast Asia.” The ASEAN All-Stars will feature top players from the AFF’s 12 member federations, though the roster remains under wraps. Names like Thailand’s Chanathip Songkrasin and Vietnam’s Doan Ngoc Tan, a standout at Thanh Hoa, are speculated contenders.
The international friendly is slated for May 28, 2025, at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Malaysia, pitting the ASEAN All-Stars against Manchester United, who last toured Asia in 2019. The match, part of United’s pre-season, aims to spotlight Southeast Asian football’s growing stature. With Kim Sang Sik at the helm, the clash promises a tactical showdown and a chance to elevate clubs like The Cong Viettel and Song Lam Nghe An on a global stage.
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