Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik has admitted Bangladesh’s national team looks significantly stronger following the inclusion of several overseas-based players, as the two sides prepare to meet in an international friendly.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Kim highlighted the growing influence of expatriate footballers such as Hamza Choudhury, Shomit Shome and Fahamedul Islam, noting that Bangladesh are no longer the same side they were a year ago. The Vietnam coach also confirmed his staff are working on specific plans to contain Hamza’s influence.
The friendly will kick off at 6:00 pm Bangladesh time on Thursday. Bangladesh are using the fixture as part of their preparations for their final Asian Cup qualifying match against Singapore national football team on 31 March.
Vietnam, meanwhile, return to action for the first time since securing a 2–0 victory over Laos national football team last November. Kim hopes his side can carry that winning momentum into this encounter.
“The squad has reunited after quite some time, and I am excited to work with several new players, including Hoang Hen,” Kim said. “The national team are preparing well to give our supporters something to cheer about. I am pleased Hen is with us — after years in the V-League, he has finally earned his chance to wear the national shirt. Five years on, he has proved his quality.”
Despite Vietnam sitting 78 places above Bangladesh in the FIFA rankings, Kim is not underestimating the opposition. He believes the side assembled by Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera is far more competitive than previous versions.
“Compared to last year, Bangladesh have changed a lot — from their coaching staff to their squad, particularly with the addition of players who compete abroad,” he said. “Some of them previously faced our Under-23 side in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers. I believe their current squad is much stronger than before.”
Kim added that detailed video analysis is being used to prepare for key threats. “I know Hamza well — he plays in England. Together with my players, we are studying footage to find the best way to deal with him. Our aim is to win the match.”
Vietnam captain Do Duy Manh echoed his coach’s message, stressing discipline and focus despite the fixture being a friendly.
“We will remain concentrated, play with discipline and follow the coaching staff’s instructions. Even though it is a friendly, we want to win because the result also impacts our FIFA ranking,” he said.
