SEA Games 32 men's football does not use over-aged players

Accordingly, teams can only use players born from January 1, 2001 onward. The quota of over-aged players like the previous two SEA Games was eliminated. Initially, Cambodia wanted to have an over-aged player, but the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) suggested not to use it to match the Asian U23 finals that take place every two years in even years.

In 2001, the SEA Games first regulated men's football using the U23 team. By 2017, the stakeholders agreed to amend the U22 team. Two years later, the Philippines was the first host to allow two more overage slots. SEA Games 31 in Vietnam increased to three seats, and U22 became U23 because the congress was held a year late because of the Covid-19 epidemic.

Vietnam made good use of the two SEA Games with an overage slot to win two gold medals in a row. The appearance of seniors with many times of experience helps young players to be more confident and easier to kick. In the Philippines, midfielders Do Hung Dung and Nguyen Trong Hoang were selected and played almost all matches. Both possess an abundant physical foundation, good physicality in the context that the team has to work continuously for two days/match.

In the next period in Vietnam, Hung Dung continued to be selected next to Tien Linh and Hoang Duc, contributing to five of the eight goals of the whole tournament team. Tien Linh scored two important goals to open the victory over Indonesia and Malaysia. Hung Dung also contributed two goals and joined Hoang Duc to dominate the midfield.

The 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia will take place from May 5 to May 17. Men's football kicks off before the official opening ceremony, scheduled for April 29. U22 Vietnam will be led by new coach Philippe Troussier.