Coach Kim Sang Sik and the roadmap to competing for the gold medal with Vietnam U23

The two wins against Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers not only helped Vietnam maintain their standing in Group F but also brought many positive signals from the young squad, particularly the U23 players. Coach Kim Sang Sik boldly granted opportunities to many SEA Games-age players, establishing a solid base for the campaign to reclaim the gold medal at SEA Games 33 in December.

In the recent two victories over Nepal, numerous young players were given playing time, and they did more than just participate as experiments — this U23 group genuinely left a mark.

Players such as Thanh Nhàn, Đình Bắc, and Hiểu Minh made more impression than their veteran teammate Khuất Văn Khang, who has been part of the national team for a long time.