Vietnam’s national football team had a gentle training session in Vientiane on November 5 afternoon to prepare for the upcoming match against Laos within the framework of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018.

Vietnam’s national football team had a gentle training session in Vientiane on November 5

Regarding the match against the host Laos in Group A on November 8, defender Tran Dinh Trong said: “Of course, the Vietnamese team’s target is to win the upcoming match, but this is an away match so it will not be easy for us. The whole team will make every effort to accomplish the target set by the coaches.”

Earlier, Vietnam’s head coach Park Hang-seo announced the list of 25 players preliminary selected to compete at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018.

The national premier league’s defending champions Hanoi contributes seven players including defenders Tran Dinh Trong and Doan Van Hau, midfielders Pham Duc Huy and Nguyen Quang Hai, and striker Nguyen Van Quyet.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) has four names on the list including midfielder Luong Xuan Truong and strikers Nguyen Cong Phuong and Nguyen Van Toan.

As scheduled, on November 7, coach Park will officially name the 23 players who will take part in the AFF Cup, which will be held at 12 different stadiums in Southeast Asia from November 8 to December 15.

This year, the AFF Suzuki Cup will feature a new playing format, with both home and away ties.

Vietnam will meet Laos in Vientiane on November 8, Malaysia at Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium on November 16, Myanmar in Yangon on November 20 and will take on Cambodia at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium on November 24. 

Vietnam is looking to win the regional title after a 10-year wait. They won the AFF Cup for the first time in 2008.-VNA