Fans Feel Sorry for Van Khang and Duy Manh

The official announcement of the 25-player squad for the Vietnam national team to participate in the ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign immediately sparked lively discussions across social media forums. Alongside the regrets over personnel decisions, fans are expressing great optimism about the "devastating" power of the forward line.

Right after the official roster was revealed, the absence of midfielder Khuat Van Khang, young talent Khoa Ngo, and veteran center-back Do Duy Manh left many gaps in the hearts of fans.

User Hoai Vu expressed regret: "I feel so sorry for Duy Manh, Van Khang, and Khoa Ngo in this ASEAN Cup. Although Duy Manh has received mixed opinions, for me, he is still a quality center-back, possessing stability and the best ability to command and connect the defensive system of the current Vietnam national team.

Khoa Ngo's case also leaves much regret as he has been performing exceptionally well in the V-League. If not for the injury, we would have witnessed a fresh breeze in the national team jersey. As for Khuat Van Khang, although he was injured beforehand and already in the plans, missing a versatile 'trump card' that can play in any position is clearly a significant loss."

However, the gloomy atmosphere was immediately overshadowed by optimism following the impressive final rehearsal of the Vietnam national team against Myanmar in Thai Nguyen. The emergence of the "trident" of Do Hoang Hen, Nguyen Xuan Son, and Nguyen Tai Loc is bringing huge confidence in an explosive attack.

User Khoa Nguyen enthusiastically commented: "This squad of the Vietnam national team is almost optimal. Losing Duy Manh is a bit regrettable, but we have Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Nguyen Thanh Chung to take over.

In this ASEAN Cup, the opponents are not bringing their strongest squads either, while our attack possesses the high-quality trio Son, Hen, and Tai Loc. The way they coordinated in the match against Myanmar was truly exciting.

I hope that in the official tournament, this trio will continue to score regularly. The defense with Le Giang combining well with the rest could help us achieve a high finish. I wish Coach Kim Sang Sik and his players success in defending the championship."

However, alongside the praise for the attack, many tactical perspectives from "online coaches" still pointed out some concerns in the defensive system.

Facebooker Quang Tung analyzed quite thoroughly: "I feel sorry for Khoa Ngo, playing so well in the V-League but missing out due to injury. If the attack had his mobility alongside Hoang Hen, Tai Loc, Hai Long, or Dinh Bac, the coaching staff would have many more options for variation.

However, I am a bit worried about the defense. Looking at the friendly match against Myanmar, it seems Le Giang didn't connect well with Nhat Minh, Thanh Chung, and Xuan Manh. There were several situations where Le Giang had to rush out to block or was left facing the opponent. If Myanmar had finished better, the Vietnam national team could have conceded. I hope this improves in the tournament."

From a broader perspective on the long-term progress of the tournament, user Cu Di confidently stated: "The group stage schedule of the Vietnam national team goes from easy to difficult, so the coaching staff can fully plan the peak performance for the long journey.

This is the strongest and most in-form squad at the moment. The players are all in good form without many injuries. The attack will be the brightest hope for the Vietnam national team.

Geovane, Hoang Hen, and Xuan Son are all in good form. Especially Xuan Son seems to have returned to his old form and weight, no longer overweight. I wish the Vietnam national team to bring the ASEAN Cup gold trophy back to Vietnam once again."

According to the schedule, the Vietnam national team will play their opening match against Timor-Leste on July 24. As the opponent chose Chonburi (Thailand) as their home ground, Coach Kim Sang Sik and his players must travel to the neighboring country with the ultimate goal of nothing less than a complete victory to start off on the right foot.