Coach Kim Sang Sik 'evaluates' national team players at the National Cup final

The 2025/26 National Cup final featuring Ninh Binh and Cong An Ho Chi Minh City is more than just a battle for the final trophy of the season; it is also a unique chance for Coach Kim Sang Sik to personally evaluate emerging players for the Vietnamese national team.

The most anticipated clash of the 2025/26 season, kicking off at 6:00 PM on June 14, promises to be a tense showdown between two teams in top form.

But forCoach Kim Sang Sik, this is also a special 'test' as many national team players and promising candidates for the Vietnam squad all appear on the field.

On Ninh Binh's side, the most talked-about name remains Hoang Duc. After a period hampered by injury, the 1998-born midfielder is showing the familiar image of a midfield leader.

Not only controlling the pace of the match,Hoang Ducalso scores more consistently in the late season, playing a key role in leading Ninh Binh to the season's final match.

As the Vietnam national team prepares forASEAN Cup 2026, Hoang Duc's role becomes even more crucial.

With many CAHN midfielders like Quang Hai and Thanh Long potentially stretching themselves in continental club competitions, Hoang Duc is almost an indispensable choice for the playmaking role.

His experience, creativity, and composure are qualities that Coach Kim Sang Sik has always highly valued. While Hoang Duc is a familiar star, Gia Hung is the most notable discovery for Ninh Binh during the final stretch of the season.

Under the guidance ofCoach Chu Dinh Nghiem, this player is exploding in both form and confidence.

Not only familiar national team members, Ninh Binh also boasts many young talents worth watching such as Thanh Trung, Van Thuan, Quang Nho, and Quoc Viet. Naturalized striker Tai Loc, with his strong physical base, fierce battling ability, and quality left foot, is showing great potential.

Especially, Tran Bao Toan is also making a strong impression and could catch Coach Kim Sang Sik's attention this time. The former HAGL midfielder had an explosive late season with crucial goals in both the V-League and National Cup.

On the other side of the pitch, clubCong An TP.HCMalso has many names that grab Coach Kim Sang Sik's attention. Coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team is maintaining an impressive unbeaten run and showing clear progress in their playing style.

In goal,Patrik Le Giangis eager to join the Vietnam national team, so he plays with great focus and maintains consistency. The competition for theVietnam national team goalkeeper positionis becoming increasingly intense.

Up front, Nguyen Tien Linh is also sending positive signals. Center-back Gia Bao, who was previously given a chance by Coach Kim Sang Sik to join the national team, just scored a goal against Nam Dinh to send his team to the final.

Most notably, the group of overseas Vietnamese players currently playing for Cong An TP.HCM. Khoa Ngo has completed his Vietnamese citizenship and passport, opening up a fair competition opportunity for a place in the national teams.