Vietnam have been drawn in Group D, alongside Australia, Syria and the Republic of Korea (reigning runners-up), as the draw of the 2018 AFC U23 Championship finals was conducted in China on October 24.

 

This will be the last AFC U23 Championship version for the 1995-born players like Cong Phuong (number 10).

The ceremony featured the attendance of representatives from the 16 qualified teams, which were drawn into four groups of four teams. The teams were seeded according to their performance in the 2016 AFC U23 Championship finals and in the qualification of the 2018 tournament.

This is the second time that Vietnam have made their way to the AFC U23 Championship final tournament. The team qualified as one of the five best second-placed teams in the qualification round, finishing behind the leader, the Republic of Korea, in Group I.

Two other representatives of Southeast Asia, Thailand and Malaysia, face a similar situation as they have been drawn into groups of tough opponents.

Thailand join reigning champions Japan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Palestine in Group B, while Malaysia were drawn in Group C, together with 2016 third-place finisher Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Group A features hosts China, Uzbekistan, Omar and 2016 fourth-place finisher, Qatar.

The teams will play in a round robin format to decide the top two teams from each group that will advance into the knockout stage.

The 2018 AFC U23 Championship finals is set to take place from January 9 to 27, 2018 in four cities of Jiangshu province, namely Changzhou, Kunshan, Jiangyin and Changshu.

Vietnam will play their opening Group D match against the Republic of Korea on January 11 before taking on Australia and Syria on January 14 and 17, respectively.

The competition will be the first test for the Republic of Korea trainer, Park Hang-seo, as the head coach of Vietnam’s national and U23 football teams.

 

                                        Source: NDO

Related Topics


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.

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.