Coach Kim Sang-sik drops overseas Vietnamese player ahead of AFF U23 Championship

Forward Bui Alex was cut as coach Kim Sang-sik finalized the Vietnam U23 team roster for the 2025 AFF U23 Championship on the afternoon of 12/7.

Born in 2005 in Prague, Czech Republic, to Vietnamese parents, Bui Alex stands at 1m78 and currently plays for the youth team of Bohemians Praha 1905 in the Czech third division. Alex is versatile, comfortable playing both midfield and forward positions.

Alex joined the Vietnam U23 team for training on 29/6 in Ba Ria - Vung Tau. Despite showcasing good technical skills, the new environment and teammates posed integration challenges. This ultimately led to his removal from the final roster.

Bui Alex training with the Vietnam U23 team at Ba Ria Stadium. Photo: Doan Huynh

Bui Alex training with the Vietnam U23 team at Ba Ria Stadium. Photo: Doan Huynh

Coach Kim had previously narrowed the squad from 35 to 28 players after two friendly matches against Taiwan U23. Today, he made further cuts, releasing five players in addition to Bui Alex: goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai, defenders Nguyen Hong Phuc and Ho Van Cuong, and midfielder Nguyen Duc Viet. Notably, Ho Van Cuong and Nguyen Duc Viet are seasoned V-League players.

The 23-player roster for the AFF U23 Championship boasts several experienced national team players, including goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, central defender Pham Ly Duc (HAGL), midfielders Nguyen Thai Son (Thanh Hoa), Khuat Van Khang (The Cong), Nguyen Dinh Bac (Cong An Ha Noi), Nguyen Quoc Viet (Ninh Binh), and overseas Vietnamese midfielder Viktor Le.

The 2025 AFF U23 Championship will take place from 15/7 to 29/7 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Vietnam is in Group B with Laos and Cambodia, facing Laos on 19/7 and Cambodia on 22/7.

Vietnam has won the last two editions of the tournament (2022, 2023). However, Coach Kim remains cautious. "Winning consecutive championships is something to be proud of, but we don't want to put too much pressure on the players. Football is a team sport, and I always emphasize teamwork and discipline. I encourage the players to see this tournament as an opportunity for growth and development, rather than just focusing on results. The results, I believe, will be a natural consequence of that process," he stated.

The Korean strategist also views the tournament as an opportunity to assess and prepare for the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the SEA Games. "This tournament is a chance for the coaching staff to evaluate each player's abilities and find the right combinations for tactical cohesion. For the young players, it's a valuable opportunity to gain international experience," Coach Kim said.