Vientiane (VNA) – Vietnam’snational football team had a gentle training session in Vientiane on November 5 afternoon to prepare for the upcoming match against Laos within the framework of the ASEAN Football Federation(AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018.

Regarding the match against the host Laos in GroupA on November 8, defender Tran Dinh Trong said: “Of course, the Vietnamese team’starget is to win the upcoming match, but this is an away match so it will notbe easy for us. The whole team will make every effort to accomplish the targetset by the coaches.”

Earlier, Vietnam’s head coach Park Hang-seo announced the list of 25 playerspreliminary selected to compete at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018.

The national premier league’s defendingchampions Hanoi contributes seven players including defenders Tran Dinh Trongand Doan Van Hau, midfielders Pham Duc Huy and Nguyen Quang Hai, and strikerNguyen Van Quyet.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) has four names on thelist including midfielder Luong Xuan Truong and strikers Nguyen CongPhuong and Nguyen Van Toan.

As scheduled, on November 7, coach Park willofficially name the 23 players who will take part in the AFF Cup, which will beheld at 12 different stadiums in Southeast Asia from November 8 to December 15.

Thisyear, the AFF Suzuki Cup will feature a new playing format, with both home andaway ties.

Vietnamwill meet Laos in Vientiane on November 8, Malaysia at Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadiumon November 16, Myanmar in Yangon on November 20 and will take on Cambodia at Hanoi’sHang Day Stadium on November 24. 

Vietnam is looking to win the regional titleafter a 10-year wait. They won the AFF Cup for the first time in 2008.-VNA