Coach Kim Sang Sik and the Vietnam national team face a significant challenge as they prepare to meet Malaysia this June in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers without the presence of key midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan.

Losing a trusted player

In a recent interview with South Korean media, head coach Kim Sang Sik revealed that the player who impressed him the most since taking charge of Vietnam was not the likes of Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, Tien Linh, or Xuan Son - but rather Doan Ngoc Tan.

“I was impressed by Doan Ngoc Tan because he always puts the team first. When he loses possession, he immediately chases down the ball and regains it, then passes it to a teammate. A team needs stars, but also cannot do without silent contributors,” Kim Sang Sik shared about his standout player.

Kim's praise is well-justified. The midfielder from Son Tay has been a “silent hero” in Vietnam’s midfield and played a pivotal role in the team's ASEAN Cup 2024 championship run.

However, for the upcoming clash against Malaysia in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, the Thanh Hoa club player will be sidelined due to a fibula fracture - leaving Coach Kim Sang Sik and his squad facing a tough puzzle.

Coach Kim Sang Sik under pressure

Doan Ngoc Tan’s absence due to injury forces Coach Kim to search for a suitable replacement if Vietnam hopes to secure a critical victory over Malaysia.

One of the names being considered is Vo Hoang Minh Khoa, who performed solidly in the match against Laos. However, questions remain about his readiness for a high-stakes encounter.

The main concern is that Laos is considered a weaker opponent compared to Malaysia, and Minh Khoa’s international experience is still limited. This means the head coach may need to explore additional options.

According to experts, a strong candidate to replace Doan Ngoc Tan is Duc Chien (Viettel FC), who is currently in good form and brings a wealth of experience. Duc Chien was previously called up by Kim Sang Sik during the coach’s early days managing the national team.

Still, any outside recommendation remains speculative. The final decision rests solely with Coach Kim Sang Sik, who must assess form, fitness, and tactical fit.

Vietnam must defeat Malaysia in the crucial match this June to stay on track for a spot at the 2027 Asian Cup. Success will rely heavily on the coach’s sharp eye for talent and strategy.

Duy Nguyen