Identifying U.23 Vietnam's opponents at the Southeast Asian tournament: It looks 'easy', but...

At the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament, the Vietnam U.23 team is in a favorable group, facing Cambodia U.23 and Laos U.23.

According to the draw results of the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament, U.23 Vietnam is in the same group with U.23 Cambodia and U.23 Laos. Group A includes U.23 Indonesia, U.23 Malaysia, U.23 Philippines and U.23 Brunei. Group C includes: U.23 Thailand, U.23 Myanmar and U.23 Timor Leste.

U.23 Vietnam aims to defend the championship

This is a group that is considered suitable for U.23 Vietnam. The Vietnamese players have a good chance of advancing and are well on their way to defending their championship title. However, coach Kim Sang-sik and his players understand that anything can happen in football. If they are not well prepared and are subjective, they will pay a heavy price.

Draw results for the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament

PHOTO: AFF

This tournament is the first time the archipelago country has officially hosted the U.23 Southeast Asian tournament since its inception in 2005. Previously, Indonesia was chosen as the host in 2011, but the tournament was canceled due to the incomplete renovation of Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium - the main competition venue.

After 4 times of organization, the U.23 Vietnam team is the most successful team in the U.23 Southeast Asian tournament with 2 consecutive championships. In 2022, despite the serious impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.23 Vietnam team played bravely and excellently defeated the host team Thailand 1-0 in the final to win the championship. A year later, in the 2023 tournament, the red and yellow star team continued to affirm its position when successfully defending the championship, after a thrilling victory on penalties against U.23 Indonesia.

Looking forward to the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament as well as two key goals this year, the 2026 Asian U.23 qualifiers (September) and the 33rd SEA Games (December), the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has proactively developed a very early preparation plan for the national U.23 team. From 2024 to present, the Vietnam U.23 team has had many training sessions coinciding with the FIFA Days with the national team, and has also participated in two international friendly tournaments, the U.22 CFA Team China 2024 and 2025, with the participation of many quality opponents.

From May 29, U.23 Vietnam will also gather at the same time as the national team.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xac-dinh-doi-thu-cua-u23-viet-nam-tai-giai-dong-nam-a-nhin-co-ve-nhe-day-nhung-185250530104945037.htm