Coach Toshyia Miura has finalised the names of 23 players who will compete at the Asian U23 Football Championship's qualifier later this month.

The Japanese decided to have three goalkeepers, seven defenders, nine midfielders and four strikers in Malaysia where Vietnam will vie against three other teams in Group I for a ticket to the final round.

Earlier, Miura said goodbye to several players injured days before the event.

The team arrived in Bangkok on March 20 for a last friendly match against Thailand in preparation for the Malaysian competition.

Kiatisuk Senamuang of Thailand has also called players for the friendly against Vietnam as well as the Asian qualifying round.

The Thai coach, who is called Zico, said Vietnam is a tough rival.

He said Vietnamese players have good skills and are a united team.

After the friendly match, the Vietnam team will fly to Kuala Lumpur where they will kick off their continental tournament on March 27 against the hosts.

Two days later they will play Japan.

Malaysian coach Ismail Razip recently said his goal at this tournament was to beat Vietnam.

He said it was a do-or-die match. In Group I, Vietnam are the main rivals vying for second place against his team because Japan are too strong. And Malaysia versus Vietnam in the opening game will be decisive as the winners will partly complete their goal.-VNA