Star midfielders beef up Vietnam’s U22 SEA Games roster

Vietnam’s midfielder Trong Hoang Nguyen (L) fights for the ball with Iraq’s midfielder Hussein Ali during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup group D football match between Iraq and Vietnam at Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi on January 8, 2019. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)

HANOI — Midfielders Nguyen Trong Hoang and Do Hung Dung have been chosen as the two over-22 players selected for the national Under-22 team to compete in this year’s SEA Games in the Philippines.

Coach Park Hang-seo on Monday selected a roster of 23 who will fly to HCM City tonight for their last practice as the city has similar weather to the Philippines.

Previously, Park said he would choose players to strengthen Vietnam’s weakest positions, with versatility and physical strength.

Each U22 team in the tournament is allowed to have two overage players.

The final list of 21 will be announced on November 22 when the team leaves for the Philippines.

Matches begin on November 26.

Vietnam is seeking its first SEA Games title in history.