GIA LAI (24 August 2012) – Indonesia are the fifth international team to confirm their participation for the 6th edition of the Thanh Nien Under-21 International Football Tournament in Gia Lai slated for 11-21 October 2012.
Other than Indonesia, the other teams that will be taking part are Malaysia, Singapore, Iraq and Syria. The organisers are waiting for the green light from the FA of Thailand (FAT) for their confirmation that they will be a part of the meet this year.
Should the FAT give their blessings, then the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) will put up two teams from Vietnam to have eight teams taking part in total.
It is very like that all teams will be sending the side which took part in the recent qualifying round of the AFC Under-22 Championship. While for teams from ASEAN, it is a good opportunity for them to further hone the skills of their players for the SEA Games in Myanmar next year.
For the record, hosts Vietnam have won the title three times in the last five editions with wins in the inaugural year in 2007 to be followed by victories in 2010 and 2011.
Iran were winners in 2008 while China won it in 2009.
