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At the press conference, head coach of Vietnam U17, Okiyama Masahiko, extended his condolences to the Thai people for the losses caused by the March 28 earthquake. He also expressed his hope that the two nations would continue to build strong connections across various fields, especially in sports.

Head coaches and players of the Vietnam U17 women’s team (in blue) and the Thailand U17 women’s team attend the pre-match meeting. Photo: Dinh Hoa

Coach Okiyama praised the technical foundation, discipline, and professionalism of his young players, despite the team’s relatively short training period. “Each player has their own strengths. We have analyzed and prepared thoroughly, and we aim for victory in tomorrow’s match,” he stated.

Acknowledging that the Vietnamese U17 team has limited international match experience, the Japanese coach emphasized the importance of this friendly as an opportunity to test lineups and collect data to refine their playing style. “The players will bring what they learn from this match back to their clubs to continue developing,” he added.

Both teams are determined to deliver an exciting and high-quality match. Photo: Dinh Hoa

Vietnam U17 player Hoang Thi Giang affirmed the team’s determination to perform at their best and secure a win for their supporters.

Thailand’s head coach, Thidarat Wiwasukhu, described the friendly as more than just a technical test, saying it contributes to strengthening the friendship between the two nations. “Fans can look forward to an exciting match where sportsmanship and fair play will be front and center,” she said.

Thai player Aunchidtha Homtago also expressed her desire to learn and gain international experience from the game.

Sports as bridge of friendship

The friendly match is co-organized by the Vietnam–Thailand Friendship Association, the Thailand–Vietnam Friendship Association, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), and the People's Public Security Sports Association.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Thanh, vice chairman of the Central Theoretical Council and president of the Vietnam–Thailand Friendship Association, emphasized the match as a significant event in the series of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand.

He stated that sports, including women’s football, serve as a bridge to connect people across cultural and language barriers. “This friendly match not only helps young athletes improve their skills but also contributes to fostering a positive image of Vietnam–Thailand relations,” he said.

Nguyen Van Thanh, president of the Vietnam–Thailand Friendship Association (sixth from left), and Urawadee Sriphiromya, Thai ambassador to Vietnam (fifth from left) and the delegates. Photo: Dinh Hoa

He also shared that both friendship associations are promoting cultural exchanges, business networking, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Thai Ambassador to Vietnam, Urawadee Sriphiromya, remarked that football is more than a game—it carries messages of fairness, solidarity, and mutual respect. “We are not just here to watch a match, we are here to witness the powerful connection sports bring to the Vietnam–Thailand relationship,” she said.

The ambassador also highlighted the important role of women in sports, calling the U17 players pioneers in promoting gender equality both in sports and in society.

The friendly match has been approved by the Asian Football Confederation to be held in accordance with international standards. It is expected to be attended by Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thailand–Vietnam Friendship Association, as well as Nualphan Lamsam (Madam Pang), president of the Football Association of Thailand.

The match will kick off at 3:00 PM on April 3 at the stadium of the People's Public Security Academy, located in Co Nhue 2 Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi.

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