Vi Hao and Coach Kim Sang Sik’s Strategies at the AFC U23 Championship Finals

24/12/2025 19:14:00 TrophyTracker

Ahead of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship Finals, Coach Kim Sang Sik is confronted with issues of inconsistency, lack of breakthroughs, and a scarcity of individuals capable of making a difference. In this situation, granting more chances to Bui Vi Hao is not only a technical choice but also a clear statement about competition within the national team setting.

At 22 years old, Bui Vi Hao is regarded as one of the few experienced players in the current U23 generation. The forward from An Giang has represented the national team 12 times, scoring twice. While many of his peers have yet to make a significant impact at SEA Games 33, Vi Hao’s international playing experience is a considerable advantage.

Once seen as a breakthrough talent in Vietnamese football after winning the top scorer award at the 2022 U21 National Championship, Vi Hao was highly anticipated. However, his development path was repeatedly interrupted as he missed two consecutive SEA Games, being cut at the last minute under coaches Philippe Troussier and later Kim Sang Sik. These missed major opportunities prevented Vi Hao’s career from gaining the necessary momentum.

A serious injury in 2025 continued to be a significant barrier. Not recovering in time for the early part of the 2025/26 V-League and having to quickly join the U22 Vietnam squad meant Vi Hao was not in his best condition to participate in SEA Games 33. This was a major regret, especially since the tournament ended in triumph but the U22 Vietnam offense still lacked individuals who could create clear breakthroughs.

Bui Vi Hao’s return is met with high expectations from Coach Kim Sang Sik. Photo: Hoang Linh

Nonetheless, Bui Vi Hao’s capabilities have been verified. Between 2023 and 2025, Hao consistently appeared in national teams competing in important tournaments. Vi Hao boasts strong acceleration and a challenging finishing ability. These traits are crucial when U23 Vietnam faces tough opponents in Asia. Born in 2003, he scored a total of 4 goals across the qualifiers and the 2024 AFC U23 Championship Finals, contributing to U23 Vietnam reaching the quarterfinals.

AFC U23 Championship 2026: A New Normal

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s decision to recall Vi Hao is not favoritism but reflects the fact that after SEA Games 33, the U22 Vietnam offense has not progressed much. Besides Dinh Bac and Thanh Nhan shining at the right moments, players such as Viktor Le, Quoc Viet, Ngoc My, and Cong Phuong have yet to produce the necessary breakthroughs. Le Phat remains at a trainee level, while the case of central midfielder Van Thuan playing as a winger effectively highlights the shortage of truly stable forwards.

In this context, Vi Hao’s return could provide a tactical alternative and help boost competition within the squad. With his eagerness to come back after injury and missed chances, Vi Hao could become a "compressed spring" ready to release energy.

If given the right timing and meeting the professional standards, the forward from An Giang could be a standout figure for U23 Vietnam at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship Finals.

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