In the vibrant city of Vientiane, Vietnam seeks to fully embrace a new chapter under the leadership of head coach Kim Sang-sik as they embark on their quest in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™. Their campaign begins with a Group B clash against Laos on Monday.
The Golden Star Warriors were previously under the stewardship of Park Hang-seo, another Korean manager, during the last three editions of the ASEAN Championship. Under his guidance, Vietnam secured their second title in 2018, followed by semi-final appearances in 2020 and a runner-up finish most recently in 2022.
However, with Park's departure after Vietnam's narrow loss to Thailand in the 2022 final, Kim becomes the second head coach in the post-Park era. Yet, his tenure has been a mixed bag, with only one win to his name from five outings as manager.
The Vietnamese squad enters the tournament following a disappointing campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they were eliminated in the second round. Their most recent international outing saw them held to a 1-1 draw by India in an October friendly.
To prepare for the upcoming tournament, the Vietnamese team embarked on a training tour to South Korea, where they faced clubs such as Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Daegu FC. They also boast a formidable roster, including 2018 MVP Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Van Toan, and Nguyen Tien Linh, among others.
Laos, on the other hand, also find themselves under new leadership, with Kim's compatriot, Ha Hyeok-jun, taking the reins in August.
The Laotians played two friendlies in October, suffering a 3-1 loss to Malaysia in Bangkok but bouncing back to secure a 1-1 draw with reigning Southeast Asian champions Thailand in Pathum Thani, with their captain Bounphachan Bounkong scoring the crucial equalizer.
Bounphachan, a 24-year-old talent, is one of several promising young stars in the Laotian squad. He is joined by the likes of Kydavone Souvanny and Damoth Thongkhamsavath, both of whom are eager to shine on the continental stage. Midfielder Phoutthasay Khochalern, who plays in Thailand for Thap Luang United, holds the distinction of being their most-capped player.
Ha, who previously led Hong Kong's Resources Capital in the Premier League, harbors hopes of guiding Laos to their first-ever knockout-stage appearance in the ASEAN Championship.
Nevertheless, Vietnam, hungry for redemption after falling short of a third ASEAN title in 2022, will present a formidable challenge to Laos in this highly anticipated tournament opener.
