One day earlier, on July 17, the team had returned to the training ground to urgently complete the final stages of preparation for the tournament’s opening match.

The session was especially important for the entire squad, serving as a final review of personnel and an assessment of the tactical plans to be used in the match against U23 Laos.

Head coach Kim Sang-sik personally directed the entire training session. The Korean manager repeatedly pushed his players, ready to halt the session at any point to immediately correct technical details.

He also tested a number of replacement options for striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan, who was recently injured and forced to withdraw from the tournament.

Coach Kim has since called up Le Van Thuan, named the Best Young Player of the 2024–2025 V.League, to replace Thanh Nhan in the squad.

U23 Vietnam are making their final adjustments before officially beginning their campaign to defend the AFF U23 Championship title.

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