According to the original schedule, Vietnam was set to face Laos on December 4 and Malaysia on December 11 at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla.

However, prolonged heavy rains severely affected the area, prompting organizers to relocate 10 sports disciplines - including Group B of the men’s football tournament - to the Thai capital.

As a result, Vietnam’s Group B opener will be moved up to December 3, one day earlier than originally planned, while their second group match against Malaysia remains on December 11.

The semifinal and final are scheduled for December 15 and 18 respectively. All matches will now be held at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

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Vietnam U22 is targeting the gold medal at SEA Games 33. Photo: S.N

SEA Games 33 has also undergone group reshuffling after Cambodia withdrew from eight sports, including both men’s and women’s football.

This left Group A with only two teams - Thailand and Timor Leste. To rebalance the tournament, organizers are expected to move Singapore from Group C to Group A to replace Cambodia.

This means the men’s football tournament will now feature nine teams divided into three groups of three:

Group A: Thailand, Timor Leste, Singapore
Group B: Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos
Group C: Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines

Vietnam U22 will depart for Thailand on December 1 to begin their SEA Games campaign.

Dai Nam