Nguyen Bao Ngoc was called up to U23 Vietnam to prepare for ASIAD 2026. The goalkeeper of Song Lam Nghe An replaced Pham Dinh Hai, who was given the opportunity to stay to serve the club during the National Cup competition.
The personnel change stems from the club's force situation. The number 2 goalkeeper of the Nghe team is injured, causing Pham Dinh Hai to stay to ensure personnel for the goalkeeper position.
Nguyen Bao Ngoc is a familiar face in the Vietnamese youth teams. He was once called up and started for U17 Vietnam at the 2023 AFC U17 Championship finals. After that, he continued to participate in the Vietnamese youth teams at the U19 and U20 levels.
The call-up to Vietnam U23 for ASIAD 2026 brings an opportunity for Bao Ngoc to accumulate more experience playing in international arenas. At the same time, this addition helps the coaching staff have more personnel options in the goal before the continental tournament.
At ASIAD 2026, U23 Vietnam is in Group C with Uzbekistan, Philippines and Kuwait. The team will meet Kuwait on September 15, Philippines on September 18 and Uzbekistan on September 22.
According to the plan, U23 Vietnam will gather on September 12 and depart for Japan on September 13 to prepare for the matches at ASIAD 2026.
