Vietnamese team arrives in Singapore, commencing AFF Cup title defence campaign

The Vietnam national football team arrived at Changi International Airport in Singapore on the afternoon of December 1, officially kick-starting their title defence journey in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020.

A bus is arranged specifically to carry the Vietnamese team during their stay in Singapore. (Photo: VFF)
A bus is arranged specifically to carry the Vietnamese team during their stay in Singapore. (Photo: VFF)

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Park Hang-seo’s troops travel to Singapore on a flight that took off at 12.30pm from Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VFF)

In the context of COVID-19, the host country requires tightened anti-pandemic measures, especially regarding foreign visitors. Therefore, despite being given priority through immigration procedures, in addition to taking RT-PCR samples at the airport, Park Hang-seo’s side still needed about two hours to complete the necessary procedures.

The whole team landed in Singapore after a 90 minute flight. (Photo: VFF)

In Singapore, the organising committee arranged for the Vietnamese team to stay at the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, about 15 minutes away from the airport by bus. According to the Singapore government’s regulations, after arriving at the hotel, all team members are required to self-quarantine in their rooms until they test negative for COVID-19.

This morning (December 2), all members of the Vietnamese team had their first training session in Singapore, which was just a light training to help them get used to the local weather. In the afternoon, Park’s troops carried out physique and tactical training drills.

Vietnamese players in action during their training session in Singapore on December 2. (Photo: VFF)

At the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020, defending champions Vietnam have been drawn into Group B together with Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos. Group A is made up of Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and Timor Leste.

In the group stage, the ten participating teams will play in a round robin tournament to decide the top two teams from each group, who will advance to the two-legged semifinals.

The Golden Star Warriors will kick-start their campaign with a clash against Laos on December 6, before taking on Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia on December 12, 15 and 19, respectively.