Hanoi, 30 September, 2025 – Head coach Kim Sang Sik has announced a 24-man Vietnam national team squad for the October 2025 FIFA Days, featuring significant changes in goalkeeping ahead of two crucial Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Nepal.
The most notable adjustment is the return of experienced goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, who replaces Nguyen Filip. Van Lam has impressed with consistent performances for Ninh Binh in recent weeks, while Filip has faced criticism for costly mistakes at Hanoi Police FC in both domestic and continental competitions.
In addition to the goalkeeping switch, the squad also welcomes a wave of young talent. Seven players from the U23 Vietnam squad that won the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025 and secured a spot in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals have been called up. They include goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, defenders Nguyen Hieu Minh and Nguyen Xuan Bac, midfielders Khuat Van Khang and Nguyen Nhat Minh, and forwards Nguyen Thanh Nhan and Nguyen Phi Hoang.
These youngsters join a core of seasoned internationals who remain the backbone of the squad. Among the veterans are defenders Do Duy Manh, Bui Tien Dung and Pham Xuan Manh; midfielders Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh and Nguyen Quang Hai; and strikers Pham Tuan Hai and Nguyen Tien Linh. Their experience will be crucial as Vietnam aim to keep their hopes alive in the Asian Cup qualifying campaign.
Vietnam are currently second in Group F with one win and one defeat after two rounds. The upcoming fixtures against Nepal are viewed as must-win encounters to maintain a realistic chance of advancing to the final tournament in 2027. The first leg will be played on October 9 at Go Dau Stadium (Binh Duong), followed by the return leg on October 14 at Thong Nhat Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City).
Coach Kim emphasized the importance of balancing experience with youth in his squad selection. “We want to build a competitive team for the present and also prepare for the future. The young players have shown their quality at U23 level and now have the chance to prove themselves on the senior stage,” he noted during the squad announcement.
The return of Dang Van Lam is expected to provide much-needed stability between the posts. At 32, the veteran has over 50 caps for Vietnam and played key roles in the 2018 AFF Cup triumph and the 2019 Asian Cup quarterfinal run. His leadership and composure will be vital as Vietnam enter back-to-back matches that could decide their qualifying fate.
The national team will gather in Ho Chi Minh City on October 4 to begin preparations. With a blend of proven stars and emerging talent, Kim Sang Sik’s men aim to deliver strong performances and claim maximum points against Nepal.
Hong Phuc
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