U17 Vietnam has scheduled a training camp and will “test their strength” in two matches against the U17 Oman ahead of the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup
As part of the preparation plan for the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup, the U17 Vietnam will reunite for training starting from February 22 at the Vietnam Football Youth Training Center.
20/02/2025 11:06:15
As many players of U17 Vietnam are currently competing in the 2024/25 U19 National Championship in Ba Ria Vung Tau, the team will only be able to gather about one-third of its full squad in the initial phase of training. The team will have its full roster after the 2024/25 U19 National Championship concludes on February 28.
As for the coaching staff, head coach Cristiano Roland has been trusted by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to continue leading the Vietnam U17 team in the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup. The Brazilian strategist is known for guiding U17 Vietnam through the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers unbeaten, with a record of three matches: a 0-0 draw with Kyrgyzstan, a 2-0 win over Myanmar, and a 1-1 draw with Yemen, securing second place in Group I.
Previously, during the preparation phase for the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, coach Cristiano Roland and his players made a strong impression by defeating Uzbekistan 3-0 and Japan 1-0, securing the runner-up position at the 2024 Peace Cup International Friendly Tournament in China.
Alongside head coach Cristiano Roland in the coaching staff is Portuguese assistant coach Fernando Atz Gabriel, along with Vietnamese assistant coaches: Nguyễn Đại Đồng (Hanoi FC), Hoàng Tuấn Anh (PVF), Nguyễn Ngọc Duy (PVF), goalkeeper coach Trần Văn Điền (PVF), and Brazilian fitness specialist Brandi Regato Neto Jose (VFF).
In addition, to enhance the quality of the Vietnam U17 team’s coaching staff ahead of the greater challenges at the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup, with the support and recommendation of the Japan Football Association, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has appointed Mr. Yutaka Ikeuchi as a technical supervisor advisor, working alongside head coach Cristiano Roland and coaching staffs.
According to the plan, after the training phase at the Vietnam Football Youth Training Center, the Vietnam U17 team will travel to Oman for a training camp from March 23 to March 29. During this period, the team will have two “test” matches against the host team, U17 Oman, before moving on to Saudi Arabia to compete in the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup.
At the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup, the Vietnam U17 team is placed in a group that includes the reigning champions Japan, Australia – a team that has reached the semifinals three times, and the UAE. Although the group is considered challenging, head coach Cristiano Roland remains confident in Vietnam U17’s competitiveness. The 49-year-old coach stated that while the challenge is significant, with thorough preparation and a determined spirit, the whole team is striving to advance past the group stage, go deep into the tournament, and secure a spot in the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.
