Kim selected many regular players who took part in international training and competitions as well as new and young faces who are for the future of national football.
In the list, three are three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 11 midfielders and six strikers. Among them, Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Quoc Viet, Bui Vi Hao and Nguyen Thanh Nhan have made their names internationally through their AFF U23 Championship victory in July.
Meanwhile, Tran Thanh Trung, the record transfer deal in Vietnam’s football history, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong and Nguyen Duc Viet are named for the first time.
One regret absence is captain Nguyen Van Truong who suffered a ligament injury during a friendly tournament in China recently.
Kim and his players gathered for training on November 23 in Vung Tau of Ho Chi Minh City, until December 1 when they depart for Thailand.
Vietnam will first play Laos in Group B on December 4 and Malaysia a week later. These matches will be organised at the Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla province.
Other teams, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Singapore are in Group C while Cambodia, Timor Leste and the hosts are in Group B.
In 2023, Vietnam defeated Myanmar 3-1 to take the bronze while Indonesia beat Thailand 5-2 to lift the championship trophy./.VNA