Football

Việt Nam have intensive preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers on OCtober 23-27 in Phú Thọ Province. — Photos of VFF

PHÚ THỌ — As hosts, Việt Nam will play at their best in all of the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers in Phú Thọ Province, according to Việt Nam head coach Cristiano Roland.

Group I features four squads: Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Yemen and Việt Nam, playing from October 23 to 27 at Việt Trì Stadium.

Speaking at a press conference on October 22, Roland said his players prepared well, with two training camps in China and Japan, and were ready for the competition.

He said it was not an easy group. Every rival is tough and many challenges await the players, but he confirmed the team aims to earn the top position to automatically qualify for the finals.

In the first match on October 23, Việt Nam -- which has previously reached the competition finals eight times -- will play Kyrgyzstan, which has reached the finals four times.

Meanwhile, Yemen are considered the most difficult rival, as they advanced to the quarter-finals last year.

(Left to right) Coaches of Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan, VIệt Nam and Yemen attending the press conference on October 22 in Phú Thọ Province.

At the conference, Kyrgyzstan coach Igor Nikitin said the country's football team was well developed. His young players closely watch and learn from their seniors during their domestic league matches.

He hoped Kyrgyzstan would play well in Phú Thọ and that earning a good result would compel players to strive for better careers and a slot in the national team.

Nikitin said playing against the hosts in the first match was a big challenge, as Việt Nam has the home advantage of familiar facilities and grounds as well as strong support from local fans. Kyrgyzstan's team respects all of their rivals and are determined to earn the best result, he added.

Fadhi Saleh of Yemen said that all four teams are around the same level, with little difference. The quality of the players would be shown through their matches and scores.

Yemen players practised for the tournament for a long time, he noted, adding that he believes his side would give a high-quality performance.

Coach Aung Zaw Myo of Myanmar said that his players enjoyed the training camps in Qatar and they would show their ability at Việt Trì.

The competition will see 44 teams from across Asia vie for the title. They are divided into 10 groups, the leaders of which will join the five best second-placed teams and head to Saudi Arabia for the finals, which will run from April 3 to 20. — VNS