Vi Hao and Thanh Trung were eliminated from the U22 Vietnam team attending the 33rd SEA Games.

On the morning of November 30, Coach Kim Sang Sik officially finalized the list of 23 U22 Vietnam players participating in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand. The decision was made after a comprehensive assessment of the performance, physical condition and tactical response level of each player through the concentration and training stages in 2025.

Accordingly, 5 players missed the 33rd SEA Games including: defender Le Van Ha, Dinh Quang Kiet, midfielder Tran Thanh Trung, Nguyen Duc Viet and striker Bui Vi Hao.

micro waste.JPG — Vi Hao was unexpectedly removed from the list of U22 Vietnam.

This is a surprising decision by coach Kim Sang Sik because Vi Hao is one of the most experienced strikers in U22 Vietnam, while overseas Vietnamese player Thanh Trung is expected to replace Van Truong, and Quang Kiet is considered a potential central defender, with a "huge" height of 1m95.

According to coach Kim Sang Sik, the above players all tried hard in training, however the coaching staff had to make the optimal choice to ensure team balance and suit the tactical requirements at SEA Games 33.

u23 vietnam.jpg — U22 Vietnam determined to win SEA Games gold medal. Photo: VFF

At the 33rd SEA Games, U22 Vietnam is in Group B with Malaysia and Laos. According to the newly adjusted schedule, coach Kim Sang Sik and his team will play the opening match against U22 Laos on December 3, before facing U22 Malaysia on December 11, at Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok).

U22 Vietnam moved from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok on December 1. With careful preparation, coach Kim Sang Sik's team is confident of competing for the SEA Games gold medal.

Khuat Van Khang wears the captain's armband of U22 Vietnam

In the team meeting before announcing the list, coach Kim Sang Sik handed the captain's armband to Khuat Van Khang, a midfielder born in 2003 who is considered a player with a lot of international experience through major tournaments such as the 2023 Asian Cup Finals, the 2024 U23 Asian Cup Finals and the 2024 ASEAN Cup. Van Khang is also an important factor helping U23 Vietnam win the 2025 U23 Southeast Asia Championship and win a ticket to the 2026 U23 Asian Cup Finals. Supporting Khuat Van Khang is vice-captain Nguyen Dinh Bac.