Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale to play friendly in Vietnam

Yoshida Akihiro, a representative of the club, affirmed that Kawasaki would bring their strongest squad to Vietnam. This means Thailand superstar midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin, who’s playing for Kawasaki, might be included.

Songkrasin is the number one star of Thai football at present. With Thailand, he won the SEA Games gold medal in 2013 and 2015, along with three AFF Cup titles in 2014, 2016 and 2020. The 29-year-old midfielder achieved success in Japan when he played for Consadole Sapporo from 2017 to 2021 and became team captain. In January 2022, Kawasaki poached him from Sapporo for $3.8 million.

Kawasaki are second in J. League 1 this season with 60 points. The title chance remains for the team who are only two points below Yokohama F. Marinos with two games to go.

The match between Binh Duong and Kawasaki is held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan in 2023. Fans can watch the game for free at Binh Dunog’s Go Dau stadium, around one hour from HCMC.

Binh Duong is currently seventh in the V. League with 23 points. The team has many good domestic players, including striker Nguyen Tien Linh, the main goalscorer of the Vietnam national team.