Hanoi, 22 September, 2025 – In October 2025, Vietnam national football team will play a crucial double-header against Nepal in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. The first leg is scheduled for October 9 at Binh Duong Stadium, while the return leg will take place five days later on October 14 at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has also confirmed the refereeing teams for both matches. For the opening clash in Go Dau stadium, the officials will come from South Korea. Choi Hyun Jai has been appointed as the main referee. Having begun his refereeing career in 2019, Choi was recognized as a FIFA referee in 2020 and has since been regularly assigned to international fixtures. Vietnamese fans will remember him as the fourth official in the recent U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifier between Vietnam and Yemen at Viet Tri Stadium. He will be assisted by Bang Gi-yoel and Cheon Jin Hee, with Chae Sang Hyeop serving as the fourth official.
For the second leg in Thong Nhat stadium, the officiating team will be entirely new to Vietnamese football. Mohamed Deham from Bahrain has been named the referee for the October 14 match. His assistants will be Salman Talasi and Salah Janahi, while Ahmed Saad will act as the fourth official. None of these referees have previously overseen matches involving Vietnamese teams, adding a fresh dynamic to the decisive encounter.
These two matches are seen as vital opportunities for coach Kim Sang Sik and his squad to secure points and keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup finals in 2027. Vietnam currently sit second in their group after one win and one defeat, making the double meeting with Nepal pivotal to their campaign.
The scheduling of both fixtures on Vietnamese soil provides a significant boost for the national team, reducing travel demands while allowing fans to turn out in large numbers to support their players. With both Binh Duong and Thong Nhat Stadium expected to host passionate home crowds, the team will look to capitalize on this advantage.
Vietnam’s preparations have included training camps and friendly matches during the September FIFA Days, featuring tune-ups against domestic clubs Nam Dinh and Hanoi Police FC. Coach Kim Sang Sik also has the option of integrating standout performers from the U23 squad, who recently impressed by topping their group in the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
With refereeing assignments now confirmed, all eyes will turn to the pitch as Vietnam prepare for two decisive matches that could determine their path to the 2027 Asian Cup.
Hong Phuc
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