U23 Vietnam faces challenge from Indonesia at U23 Southeast Asia Tournament

U23 Vietnam will face no small challenge from host U23 Indonesia - Photo: VFF

According to the plan that the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) has just announced to its member federations, the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship will take place from July 15 to 31 in Indonesia.

This is the first time the archipelago nation has officially hosted the Southeast Asian U23 tournament since the tournament was launched in 2005. Previously, Indonesia was chosen as the host in 2011. However, the tournament was canceled at that time because the renovation of Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium - the main competition venue - was not completed.

After 4 times of organization, U23 Vietnam is the most successful team with two consecutive championships in 2022 and 2023.

In 2022, despite the serious impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnam U23 team played bravely and excellently defeated Thailand 1-0 in the final match in Cambodia to win the championship.

A year later, the Vietnam U23 team continued to be crowned champion in Thailand when they defeated Indonesia 6-5 in a penalty shootout (0-0 draw in the two regular periods).

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his team won the 2023 Southeast Asian U23 Championship - Photo: VFF

The remaining two titles were won by Thailand and Indonesia. Indonesia won the 2019 tournament in Cambodia after defeating Thailand 2-1 in the final. Thailand won the 2005 tournament on home soil after defeating Singapore 3-0 in the final.

Looking forward to the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship as well as two key goals this 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 Vietnam U23 team.

From 2024 to present, the U23 Vietnam team has had many training sessions coinciding with the FIFA Days with the Vietnam team, and has also participated in two international friendly tournaments U22 CFA Team China 2024 and 2025 in China 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. Many excellent players have also been tested in the Vietnam national team and left their mark at the ASEAN Cup 2024 such as Bui Vi Hao and Khuat Van Khang.

With proactive preparation, the Vietnam U23 team continues to show great determination in the journey to defend the throne at the regional U23 arena, creating momentum for the campaign to hunt for the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand at the end of the year.

Indonesia and Thailand are the two biggest opponents of the Vietnam U23 team in both the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship and the 33rd SEA Games.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/u23-viet-nam-gap-thach-thuc-tu-indonesia-o-giai-u23-dong-nam-a-20250417115114927.htm