Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn has his squad of 28 players for the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup in Qatar. Photo VFF

Football

HÀ NỘI Hoàng Anh Tuấn, the newly appointed coach of the Việt Nam under 23s, has announced a squad of 28 players to prepare for the 2024 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.

The selected players mostly consist of individuals who have previously worked with Tuấn at various youth team levels, ranging from U17 to U23, including the recent U23 Việt Nam team that emerged victorious in the 2023 regional event.

These players have also had the opportunity to train with the national senior team on FIFA Days since the second half of 2023. Among them are players who have participated in the 2023 Asian Cup Finals and the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Asia, such as goalkeeper Nguyễn Văn Việt, defender Phan Tuấn Tài, midfielders Khuất Văn Khang and Nguyễn Thái Sơn, and striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc.

In addition to the familiar faces, Tuấn has also given an opportunity to a promising young talent, defender Nguyễn Thành Khải from SHB Đà Nẵng.

The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) has collaborated with the Asian Football Confederation to make additions and replacements to the preliminary registration list, allowing coach Tuấn to have more flexible options for the U23 team.

During the Qatar Asian tournament, which will take place from April 15 to May 3, Việt Nam are placed in Group D alongside Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Malaysia.

Việt Nam's opening match will be against Kuwait on April 17, followed by games against Malaysia on April 20, and U23 Uzbekistan on April 23.

Malaysia, one of Việt Nam's rivals in the tournament, will be without goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim, defender Azam Azmi, midfielder Richard Chin, and striker Ruventhiran, as reported by the New Strait Times.

Among these players, Chin, who was born in England and currently plays for Bath City on loan from Charlton, stands out. The other three players are all part of the Malaysian national team.

The most prominent name on the Malaysia U23 list is striker Luqman Hakim. He is considered a Malaysian football "prodigy" and currently plays for Yokohama SCC in Japan.

Other notable players in the U23 Malaysia squad include defender Harith Haiqal and midfielders Mukhairi Ajmal and Fergus Tierney. Scottish-born player Fergus Tierney played a significant role in the 2023 regional U23 tournament.

The top three teams in the Asian U23 tournament will secure direct qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The fourth-placed team will compete against the fourth-placed team from the African U23 tournament for the remaining spot.

In Group D, defending runner-up Uzbekistan are considered the strongest team and are expected to secure a place in the quarter-finals. The remaining three teams have an equal chance to secure the second qualification spot.

Việt Nam will begin their preparations at the Việt Nam Youth Football Training Centre on April 6 and will depart for Qatar on April 8.

They will face Jordan on April 10 in a final friendly match as part of their preparation for the continental U23 event. VNS