KIM SEES INDONESIA AND THAILAND AS VIETNAM'S BIGGEST THREATS AT ASEAN U-23 MANDIRI CUP™ 2025

Vietnam U-23 head coach Kim Sang-Sik feels that hosts Indonesia and former winners Thailand will be his side’s main rivals when they attempt to win a third consecutive title at the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup™ 2025 next month.

Kim was in charge of Vietnam’s senior side when they won the ASEAN Championship in January, and the South Korean will be looking to enjoy more success with the U-23 team when they compete in the biennial tournament in Indonesia from 15 to 29 July.

The Mandiri Cup™ 2025 is a showcase for ASEAN’s rising stars and as the top seeds in Group B, which also includes Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam are strongly fancied to progress to the semi-finals. However, Kim is expecting a much sterner challenge to come for his side in the knock-out stage.

“From what I know and have observed, Thailand and Indonesia have always been strong contenders,” says the former Korea Republic international defender.

“Thailand stands out with their technique and solid organisation, while Indonesia impresses with their physical strength and speed. Matches against these two teams are always intense and competitive, so we need to prepare thoroughly.”

In winning the last two editions of the ASEAN U-23 Championship, Vietnam have locked horns with both of their key rivals. They edged Thailand 1-0 in the 2021 final before overcoming Indonesia in a penalty shootout two years ago following a goalless draw in the final.

While Kim wants his side to continue their proud tradition in the tournament, he is also mindful about not adding to the weight of expectation on his young charges.

“Winning back-to-back ASEAN U-23 Championships is a source of pride for us. However, rather than putting ourselves under too much pressure, we want to focus on giving our best in every match,” says the 48-year-old.

“I encourage the players to view this tournament as an opportunity to grow and develop, rather than solely aiming for achievements. In my opinion, the results will naturally follow from that process.

“This tournament is not just about competing for the title. It allows us to assess each player’s capabilities and to utilise different combinations to enhance our tactical cohesion. For young players, it’s also a valuable chance to gain international match experience.”

Kim recently gave defender Pham Ly Duc and midfielder Nguyen Thai Son the chance to play for the senior national team, and he believes that these rising stars can be influential for his side in the tournament.

“Football is a team sport, and I always emphasise collective strength and discipline,” he says.

“However, I have worked with Ly Duc and Thai Son before and I highly value both players and have high expectations for them to perform well alongside their team-mates in the upcoming tournament.”

Vietnam will hold a pre-tournament training camp in the southern Vietnamese city of Vung Tau from 26 June to 13 July, before travelling to Indonesia for the tournament. They play their opener against Laos at Patriot Stadium in Bekasi on 19 July before facing Cambodia at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 22 July.

The first-placed team in each group and the second-placed team with the best record at the end of the group stage will progress to the semi-finals, which will be played on 25 July. The winners of the semi-finals will meet in the final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 29 July.

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