After two matches, Vietnam ranks second in Group F with 3 points, level on points with Laos but ahead on goal difference (+1 compared to -4). Malaysia leads with 6 points, while Nepal is last with two losses.

Vietnam is set to face Nepal in the Asian Cup 2027 final qualifier tonight, 9/10, with the team expressing confidence. The match pits Vietnam, ranked 114th globally, against Nepal, who sits 176th in the latest FIFA rankings – a 52-place difference. The Vietnamese squad, under Coach Kim Sang-sik, concluded their preparations with a smooth final training session on the afternoon of 8/10 at Go Dau Stadium.

All 23 players, except for midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai who is sidelined with an injury, are in good condition. Midfielder Nguyen Duc Chien, who had fitness concerns and only did recovery training, will have his participation decided by Coach Kim based on his actual condition. The team's preparation focused on blending experienced players with young talents, including striker Nguyen Dinh Bac (9) and winger Khuat Van Khang, both U23 Southeast Asian champions and ASEAN Cup 2024 winners.

For the two matches against Nepal, Coach Kim blended experienced players with young talents who won the U23 Southeast Asian Championship. Among them, striker Nguyen Dinh Bac (9) stands out...

...and winger Khuat Van Khang, who also won the ASEAN Cup 2024 with the national team.

Center-back Do Duy Manh continues as Vietnam's captain. The two vice-captains are Nguyen Hoang Duc and overseas Vietnamese player Cao Pendant Quang Vinh.

Midfielder Nguyen Duc Chien previously faced fitness issues, only doing recovery training at the hotel. Coach Kim stated that a decision on his participation would depend on the actual situation.

After Vietnam's training session, Nepal also had their only practice to familiarize themselves with the stadium. They arrived in Binh Duong late last night, leaving little time to adapt.

Center-back Cao Pendant Quang Vinh (13) received his second call-up to the Vietnam national team. He previously played in Vietnam's 0-4 loss to Malaysia in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, last June. By appointing him vice-captain, Coach Kim aims for the overseas Vietnamese player to show greater effort and responsibility for the national team.

In contrast to Vietnam's extensive preparation, Nepal had only one practice session to familiarize themselves with the stadium after arriving late in Binh Duong last night. In Group F, Malaysia currently leads with 6 points. Vietnam holds second place with 3 points, level with Laos but ahead on goal difference (+1 compared to -4). Nepal is at the bottom of the group, having lost both of their matches. Historically, Nepal's FIFA ranking has fluctuated, reaching a high of 121st from 12/1993 to 2/1994 and a low of 196th in 1/2016.

The Vietnam – Nepal match is scheduled for 19:30 on Thursday, 9/10, and will be broadcast on VnExpress.Duc Dong.