2026 AFC U23 Championship: Khuất Văn Khang and the leadership qualities test

30/12/2025 06:55:00 FieldFrenzy

The 2026 AFC U23 Championship in Saudi Arabia is not only a platform where Vietnam’s U23 team seeks to assert its position but alsoa tournament that holds special meaning for Khuất Văn Khang.

At 22 years old, Khuất Văn Khang has become one of the most experienced players in the current Vietnam U23 squad. The Thể Công Viettel player set a Vietnamese football record as the first to appear in three consecutive AFC U23 Championships (2022, 2024, 2026).

This milestone demonstrates rare stability at the youth level. In reality, Văn Khang has been regarded by Vietnamese football professionals as a "raw gem" needing polishing for nearly ten years. In 2017, Văn Khang and Vietnam’s U15 team won the Southeast Asian U15 Championship, and few players have been developed as thoroughly and long-term as this versatile athlete, from club to national teams.

Compared to players like Đình Bắc, Trung Kiên, or Hiểu Minh, Văn Khang was trained even earlier. He scored his first national team goal in just one match during a friendly against Singapore in 2022 at Thống Nhất Stadium. Born in 2003, many consider him a former "prodigy" and a "new Quang Hải" of Vietnamese football due to his uniquely skilled left foot.

However, Văn Khang’s breakthrough level so far cannot compare to the senior who shone brightly at the 2018 Thường Châu tournament for Vietnam U23. This year, Văn Khang has only scored once in three major U22/U23 tournaments, that goal coming against Laos U23 at the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship.

At SEA Games 33, although he played all 4 matches and was a key player trusted by coach Kim Sang Sik, the versatile Thể Công Viettel player did not score. His absence from any category at the 2025 Vietnamese Golden Ball Gala somewhat reflects this stagnation.

There are many reasons explaining Văn Khang’s difficulties. One is that coaches positioned him as a left-back on the national team, a role not his natural position, which limited his attacking and creative abilities.

But when Phi Hoàng performed well in that role, Văn Khang was returned to his natural winger position in recent SEA Games 33 matches, yet even then, the 22-year-old hasn’t made a significant impact.

Khuất Văn Khang is the only player in the current Vietnam U23 squad to have participated in three consecutive AFC U23 Championships. Photo: Tuấn Phạm

Therefore, the 2026 AFC U23 Championship becomes Văn Khang’s "final test" at the Vietnam U23 level. This is not just about scoring or assisting but a time to honestly evaluate his leadership role.

With a squad featuring many players making their continental debut, Văn Khang’s experience needs to be more evident in controlling the game rhythm, communicating on the field, and inspiring teammates during challenging moments.

Compared to energetic young players like Đình Bắc, who effectively boost team spirit, Văn Khang is currently rated lower. Coach Kim Sang Sik needs a leader who doesn’t have to score many goals but must be present in critical moments. Ironically, at SEA Games 33, the U22 Vietnam team surged when the captain left the field and Đình Bắc replaced Văn Khang as captain.

Vietnam U23 must change to advance further in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

Vietnam U23’s group in Saudi Arabia, including hosts Saudi Arabia U23, Jordan U23, and Kyrgyzstan U23, promises many challenges. For Văn Khang, this is a chance to prove that three appearances at the AFC U23 Championship are not just a record but a journey of growth ready to ignite.

The quiet contributions of Khuất Văn Khang to Vietnamese football over many years cannot be denied. However, to remain at the demanding top level, no player can afford to just perform adequately repeatedly in tournaments.

In his final U23 Asian Championship of his youth career, Văn Khang might need to take more attacking risks, show greater determination in every contest, and be stronger in his leadership role. Decisive and quality left-footed shots, along with creative plays, have been "forgotten" by Văn Khang for quite some time. The Thể Công Viettel player has the natural talent to return to his true form and meet the expectations of many.

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