Shock victory for The Cong team

In recent seasons, the clashes between The Cong - Viettel FC and Ho Chi Minh City FC have never been considered evenly matched. Currently, Coach Thach Bao Khanh's team boasts many of the best players in the V-League, from domestic players (including many who are members of the Vietnamese national team) to foreign players, spread across all positions. Furthermore, star player Nguyen Hoang Duc and his teammates want to make an impressive debut in their first match since officially changing their name, hoping to revive the glorious past of The Cong.

Cheick Timite (right) shone with a brace, helping Ho Chi Minh City FC secure a home victory in Round 4.

Meanwhile, the journey of the "Red Battleship" has been far from smooth, as they struggled to avoid relegation in the 2023 season and continued to face difficulties in the early stages of the 2023-2024 season. The team based at Thong Nhat Stadium has only an average squad and has yet to find its rhythm, having recently undergone personnel changes on the coaching staff. However, Coach Phung Thanh Phuong has brought about a positive change in the team's playing style in his first match in charge, despite their 1-2 loss to Binh Duong FC in the National Cup. Furthermore, the "Red Battleship" team currently has good morale, as financial issues have been satisfactorily resolved by the club's management.

With a relaxed mindset, the players' movements became more fluid. Although the Ho Chi Minh City FC players didn't have much possession, they displayed disciplined defense and posed a significant threat on the counter-attack. Particularly impressive was the first 45 minutes of the match, where Coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team played exceptionally well. The home team's attack capitalized on every opportunity created, led by their star player, Cheick Timite. The 26-year-old foreign player scored both goals, securing a surprising victory for Ho Chi Minh City FC against The Cong - Viettel FC.

Hoang Duc (in red shirt) was neutralized by the players of Ho Chi Minh City FC.

Those who watched the match could clearly see that Ho Chi Minh City FC didn't win by luck. The "Red Battleship" secured all three points with clear tactics and a sensible approach to the game. Coach Phung Thanh Phuong himself stated after the match that he had devised a plan to neutralize the opponent's brightest star, midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc. Naturally, the victory of the home team at Thong Nhat Stadium in round 4 was also significantly contributed to by the lackluster performance of The Cong - Viettel FC.

It's still too early to conclude whether Ho Chi Minh City FC will continue to achieve favorable results in the V-League. The "Red Battleship" faces a series of difficult matches ahead. From rounds 5 to 8, they will successively face strong opponents: Hai Phong FC, Thanh Hoa FC, SLNA, and Ha Tinh FC. Of these four matches, Ho Chi Minh City FC will play three at home (against Hai Phong, SLNA, and Ha Tinh). Based on what Coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team has shown so far, there is confidence that Thong Nhat Stadium will be back in action.

Coach Phùng Thanh Phương (in light blue shirt) has helped Ho Chi Minh City FC improve their performance.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City FC has risen to 4th place in the V-League standings with 7 points after 4 matches. In round 5, the "Red Battleship" will play away against Hai Phong FC on December 9th.

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