Coach Toshyia Miura has finalised the names of 23 players who willcompete at the Asian U23 Football Championship's qualifier later thismonth.

The Japanese decided to have threegoalkeepers, seven defenders, nine midfielders and four strikers inMalaysia where Vietnam will vie against three other teams in Group Ifor a ticket to the final round.

Earlier, Miura said goodbye to several players injured days before the event.

The team arrived in Bangkok on March 20 for a last friendly matchagainst Thailand in preparation for the Malaysian competition.

Kiatisuk Senamuang of Thailand has also called players for thefriendly against Vietnam as well as the Asian qualifying round.

The Thai coach, who is called Zico, said Vietnam is a tough rival.

He said Vietnamese players have good skills and are a united team.

After the friendly match, the Vietnam team will fly to KualaLumpur where they will kick off their continental tournament on March27 against the hosts.

Two days later they will play Japan.

Malaysian coach Ismail Razip recently said his goal at this tournament was to beat Vietnam.

He said it was a do-or-die match. In Group I, Vietnam are the mainrivals vying for second place against his team because Japan are toostrong. And Malaysia versus Vietnam in the opening game will bedecisive as the winners will partly complete their goal.-VNA