U23 Vietnam had to adjust its competition plan because the Panda Cup 2023 friendly tournament in June in Chengdu, China was postponed.
U22 Vietnam players practice in Cambodia during SEA Games 32. Photo: Lam Thoa
The tournament was originally scheduled to take place from June 14 to 18, but has been postponed indefinitely. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) said the timing of the tournament coincides with the maintenance period of the stadium hosting the tournament. The new schedule for the Panda Cup will be announced by the CFA later, but will certainly be based on the FIFA calendar in 2023.
The Panda Cup is a tournament for China to prepare for the 19th Asian Games at home. The tournament is expected to have four teams playing a round-robin to determine the champion.
Although the tournament was postponed, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) still kept the U23 team's training schedule in June. After the 32nd SEA Games, the team continued to prepare for the 2024 U23 Asian qualifiers. VFF is looking for a new opponent for U22 Vietnam to compete this time to review professional work.
In the 2024 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers, Vietnam is in Group C with Guam, Yemen and Singapore. Vietnam is the host country competing from September 4 to 12 with the goal of reaching the final round.
Under coach Philippe Troussier, U22 Vietnam has played 12 official and friendly matches, winning five, drawing one and losing six. The team's first achievement was the bronze medal at the 32nd SEA Games.
Meanwhile, VFF sent the Vietnam U20 team to attend the 19th ASIAD in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.
Hieu Luong
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