U22 Vietnam finalizes list for SEA Games 33: Bui Vi Hao and Bulgarian-Vietnamese player eliminated

U22 Vietnam - Photo 1.

Bui Vi Hao on the training ground of the Vietnam U22 team - Photo: NK

On the morning of November 30, Coach Kim Sang Sik officially finalized the list of 23 players for the Vietnam U22 team to participate in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.

The decision was made after a comprehensive assessment of the form, physical condition and tactical response level of each player through the training and concentration stages in 2025. Especially through the internal practice match on the afternoon of November 29 in Ba Ria.

Accordingly, the 5 names eliminated include central defender Le Van Ha, Dinh Quang Kiet, midfielder Tran Thanh Trung, Nguyen Duc Viet and striker Bui Vi Hao.

These are all players who have worked hard in training. However, the coaching staff is forced to make the optimal choice to ensure the balance of the squad and to suit the tactical requirements at SEA Games 33.

Dinh Quang Kiet, despite having the best height in the team (1m95), has no experience in international competition. Similarly, central defender Le Van Ha - the player who was given the opportunity to start in the match against U22 Korea in the 2025 Panda Cup Friendly Tournament in China, but did not play very impressively.

U22 Vietnam - Photo 2.

It is a pity that Vietnamese-Bulgarian player Tran Thanh Trung is leaving - Photo: ANH KHOA

Bui Vi Hao is a good striker of both the U22 Vietnam team and the Vietnam national team. However, a long-term injury has prevented him from being in good form when he returns.

Besides, coach Kim Sang Sik also wants to create conditions for Vi Hao to fully recover to compete in the 2026 U23 Asia final round taking place early next year.

Midfielder Duc Viet was called up for the last training session but did not perform as expected. He was not allowed to play for Ninh Binh Club in the 2025-2026 season so he did not have good form.

The most unfortunate case is that of midfielder Tran Thanh Trung. This Vietnamese-Bulgarian player is still not in the best physical condition after the injury he suffered while playing for Ninh Binh Club.

The Vietnam U22 team left Ba Ria for Ho Chi Minh City this morning to attend the sponsor introduction ceremony in the afternoon of the same day. At noon on December 1, coach Kim Sang Sik and his team will leave for Thailand to prepare for the opening match against Laos U22 on December 3.

With a carefully selected force, a young but internationally experienced team and a long-term preparation process throughout 2024-2025, U22 Vietnam aims to compete with determination, gradually conquering the highest goal at SEA Games 33.

U22 Vietnam - Photo 3.