Indonesia hosts the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament, U23 Vietnam determined to defend the "throne"

U23 Vietnam (in white) successfully defended the championship title when winning against U23 Indonesia in the 2023 final. Photo: VFF

This is the first time the archipelago nation has officially hosted the tournament since 2005. Previously, Indonesia was chosen to host in 2011, but the tournament was canceled because the renovation of Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium - the main competition venue - was not completed.

After 4 times of organization, the U23 Vietnam team is the most successful team with two consecutive championships. In 2022, despite the serious impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the U23 Vietnam team played bravely and excellently defeated Thailand 1-0 in the final to win the championship. A year later, at the 2023 tournament, the red-shirted army continued to affirm their position when successfully defending the championship after a thrilling victory over Indonesia on penalties.

Looking forward to the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament as well as the two key goals of the year, the 2026 Asian U23 qualifiers and the 33rd SEA Games, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has proactively developed a very early preparation plan for the national U23 team. From 2024 to present, the Vietnam U23 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 U22 CFA Team China 2024 and 2025, with the participation of many quality opponents.

In addition, VFF and head coach Kim Sang Sik have created conditions for young players with potential to compete and gain experience early on, in which some excellent players have also been tested at the national team level and left their mark at the ASEAN Cup 2024.

With proactive and methodical preparation and a young but potential force, the Vietnam U23 team continues to show great determination in the journey to defend the throne at the regional U23 arena.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/indonesia-dang-cai-giai-u23-dong-nam-a-2025-u23-viet-nam-quyet-tam-bao-ve-ngoi-vuong-699293.html