K. A DREAM BEGINNING
To prepare for the AFC Champions League 2, Nam Dinh FC has made a bold move by registering 12 foreign players, more than half of whom will only be used in the Asian tournament, not in the V-League. This is an unprecedented investment, with the goal of replicating their achievement of reaching the round of 16 last season.
Nam Dinh FC achieved a resounding victory in their opening match of the AFC Cup.
PHOTO: MINH TU
Although the road ahead is long, Nam Dinh FC's foreign players have already proven their worth in their opening match against Ratchaburi at 7:15 PM yesterday (September 17th). With 10 foreign players in the starting lineup (the only domestic player used was midfielder Ly Cong Hoang Anh), Nam Dinh FC dominated their opponent. Both in terms of physical strength and technical-tactical skills, the Vietnamese representative was superior to the Thai team. Before Caio Cesar's stunning shot into the Ratchaburi net in the 35th minute, Nam Dinh FC had dominated the game and created numerous opportunities. The only shortcoming of the Nam Dinh team was a few moments of disjointed coordination, as this was the first official match where the foreign players played together. Although the pieces weren't perfectly aligned, leading to several instances of incoherent passing, the superior class of Nam Dinh FC's tall foreign players was still able to decide the match themselves.
For example, in the opening goal, Mahmoud Eid delivered a perfect cross for Caio Cesar to leap and score. Or in the second goal in the 52nd minute, Percy Tau broke through the edge of the penalty area and flicked the ball back to Marlos Brenner, who fired it into the top corner of the Ratchaburi net. These were all very difficult situations, requiring quick, precise handling. In the 57th minute, the foreign players again created the scoring when Mitchell Dijks delivered a high cross for Marlos Brenner to head in his brace, making the score 3-0.
Although Ratchaburi pulled one back in the 60th minute, Nam Dinh FC still dominated the game to win 3-1, securing their first three points in Group F of the AFC Champions League 2. Nam Dinh FC now has 3 points and a goal difference of +2, temporarily sharing the top spot with Gamba Osaka (who beat Eastern 3-1) after the first round.
Nam Dinh Club maintains its form.
If they maintain their momentum, Nam Dinh FC has the potential to surpass rivals like Ratchaburi or Eastern to secure one of the top two positions, thereby advancing to the AFC Champions League Round of 16. Coach Vu Hong Viet has a strong and well-rounded squad of foreign players, with key players like Caio Cesar, Percy Tau, Marlos Brenner, and Mitchell Dijks all finding their rhythm.
However, due to competing in four competitions this season – V-League, National Cup, AFC Champions League 2, and ASEAN Club Championship – Nam Dinh FC will face a packed schedule. A minimum of 11 group stage matches in international tournaments will require coach Vu Hong Viet to skillfully rotate his squad and carefully manage peak performance timing. But, with 12 foreign and overseas Vietnamese players, Nam Dinh FC demonstrates serious ambition and a strong desire to make an impact in Asian competitions.
In the second match, taking place on October 2nd, Nam Dinh Club will play away against Eastern (Hong Kong).
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/clb-nam-dinh-khoi-dau-ngot-ngao-o-cup-c2-chau-a-185250917221637139.htm
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