Vietnam midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai (R) and teammates are among the title favourites at the 2020 AFC U23 Championship in Thailand.

In an article published on its website today (January 7), the AFC hailed Vietnam U23s as one of the odds-on favourites to claim the trophy this year.

"Unlike 2018, Vietnam will go into this campaign among the favourites and, up against the United Arab Emirates in their first game, it will be interesting to see how Nguyen Quang Hai and co. deal with the added pressure,” the article said.

They stated that the Golden Stars have been riding a purple patch since their historic runner-up finish in Changzhou, China, two years ago, winning the 2018 AFF Championship, reaching the last eight of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, and currently sitting on top of their group in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers.

The article touched upon the UAE’s 0-1 defeat against Vietnam in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers last November, stating that following the teams’ constant success over recent times, Vietnamese football is increasingly affirming themselves as a real powerhouse.

Alongside the Vietnam-UAE clash in Group D, the AFC also voted four other matches to look out for at Thailand 2020, including Thailand-Bahrain (Group A, Matchday 1, January 8), China-Uzbekistan (Group C, Matchday 2, January 12), Qatar-Japan (Group B, Matchday 3, January 15) and Uzbekistan-Republic of Korea (Group C, Matchday 3, January 15).

Source: NDO

Related Topics

Traditional games thrive at Muong Festivals in Hoa Binh

85 players compete at Hoa Binh province Youth Table Tennis Tournament

Over 2,000 runners join Olympic Run Day for public health

Awarding 30 sets of medals at the 2025 Provincial Youth Championship of Crossbow Shooting, Tug-of-War, and Stich Pushing

---

Hoa Binh hosts 2025 national karate dan promotion exam

On February 23, the Hoa Binh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, in collaboration with the General Department of Sports and Physical Training’s karate division and the provincial Karate federation, organised the 2025 national karate dan promotion exam at the provincial sports arena. The exam covered the first (Shodan), second (Nidan), and third (Sandan) dan levels, with no fourth (Yondan) or fifth (Godan) dan tests this year.

Vibrant sports activities mark spring festival in Hoa Binh

In the early days of the Year of the Snake, Hoa Binh province is filled with a lively and joyful atmosphere as various sports exchange and competition activities take place. These events have become a cherished tradition among local ethnic communities, strengthening their solidarity and fostering their close bonds. They contribute to the robust development of grassroots sports movements, enhancing the cultural and spiritual life of the people.

The 1st expanded Hoa Binh provincial Health sector Pickleball tournament

The Hoa Binh provincial Health sector trade union organized the 1st expanded Hoa Binh provincial Health sector Pickleball tournament in 2025.

Hoa Binh City crossbow shooting, tug of war, and stick pushing tournament

At the Hoa Binh provincial sports arena, the Organizing Committee of the 8th Hoa Binh City Sports Festival 2025 held youth and championship crossbow shooting, tug of war, and stick pushing tournaments.

The Sports Competition of the Cluster of Judicial Departments and Civil Judgment

Enforcement Departments of 7 Provinces in the Northeastern and Mountainous Regions On February 19th, at the Hoa Binh Province Sports Hall, the Cluster of Judicial Departments and Civil Judgment Enforcement Departments of 7 provinces in the Northeastern and Mountainous regions, including Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Bac Kan, Yen Bai, Bac Giang and Phu Tho organized a friendly sports competition. A total of 52 athletes from the provinces in the cluster participated in the competition.

Hoa Binh FC draws with Long An FC at home stadium

At 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16th, at Hoa Binh Provincial Stadium, Hoa Binh Football Club (Hoa Binh FC) played against Long An Football Club (Long An FC) in round 9 of the National First Division Football Tournament - Bia Sao Vang, 2024 - 2025. The dramatic match ended in a 0-0 draw when no goals were scored.