Hanoi, 16 June, 2025 – With less than a month to go before the 2025 AFF U23 Championship kicks off in Indonesia, head coach Kim Sang-sik has underlined Thailand and Indonesia as the biggest threats to Vietnam U23’s title defense.
Set to take place from July 15 to 29, the tournament marks an important milestone for Vietnam U23, who enter as the reigning champions. Having lifted the trophy in the previous two editions—beating Thailand in 2022 and Indonesia in 2023—the pressure is on for Kim Sang-sik’s squad to continue their dominance in Southeast Asian football.
Speaking to the ASEAN Football Federation’s official channel, the South Korean coach acknowledged the scale of the challenge. “From what I’ve observed, Thailand and Indonesia will be our main opponents,” Kim said. “Thailand is known for their strong technical abilities and organized style of play, while Indonesia boasts impressive physical strength and speed. Matches against both teams are always intense and dramatic, so we need to be well prepared.”
Despite the weight of expectations, Kim emphasized that his priority is not just about defending the title, but also about player development. “Winning back-to-back championships is a source of pride for us. But instead of adding pressure, I want the players to focus on performing well in each match,” he explained.
“I encourage the players to view this tournament as a valuable opportunity for growth. If they can do that, good results will come naturally. This is not only a title race but also a chance to assess individual talent and test different tactical approaches. For young players, this is a golden opportunity to gain international experience.”
Coach Kim has recently included center-back Pham Ly Duc and midfielder Nguyen Thai Son in the senior national team setup, further demonstrating his confidence in the rising stars. “Football is a team sport, and I always value unity and discipline. I’ve worked closely with Ly Duc and Thai Son and appreciate their attitude. I expect them to play an important role alongside their teammates in the upcoming tournament,” he said.
Vietnam has been drawn into Group B alongside Cambodia and Laos. While they avoid facing Thailand and Indonesia in the group stage, a potential clash looms in the knockout rounds. With a blend of experience and youth, and the momentum of recent success, Vietnam U23 is poised to make a strong push for their third consecutive AFF U23 Championship crown—a feat that would further cement their dominance in the region.
The tournament will also serve as critical preparation for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers and the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand later this year.
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