Nanyang Technological University says goodbye to the tournament: 'We will come back strong'

Greetings from Nanyang Technological University

On the morning of March 28, half of the Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) football team members were present at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) to return home. The remaining members will return to Singapore tomorrow morning (March 29), thereby concluding their journey at the 2025 International Youth Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup.

Despite their best efforts in the group stage, Nanyang Technological University could not qualify for the semi-finals. Coach Saswamadita Bin Dasuki and his team drew 1-1 with Malaysia University in their opening match thanks to a scientific counter-attacking defense.

Trường ĐH Công nghệ Nanyang chia tay giải: 'Chờ đấy, chúng tôi sẽ trở lại mạnh mẽ' - Ảnh 1. — Nanyang Technological University leaves the tournament with fond memories

In the match against Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Singaporean representative still played very well, keeping the score at 1-1 until the beginning of the second half. However, facing a more cunning and experienced team, which both defended well and had "strange tricks" to reduce the opponent's excitement, Nanyang Technological University lost with a final score of 1-3. With 1 point after 2 matches, the Singaporean representative stopped.

However, this result did not make the Nanyang Technological University players sad. "We do not focus on the results, but come here to express ourselves and receive memorable lessons and experiences. Nanyang Technological University also wants to contribute to promoting and strengthening friendship between countries through student football. I am always proud and believe in my players. They have tried very hard," affirmed Head of Delegation Muhammad Syafiq Bin Juffri.

At the gala evening between the schools participating in the 2025 International Student Youth Tournament - THACO Cup, the representative of Nanyang Technological University also thanked the organizers for the meaningful playground, helping the teams have more opportunities to compete and mature. "We hope to soon return to the playground organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper," said the head of the delegation, Syafiq.

Trường ĐH Công nghệ Nanyang chia tay giải: 'Chờ đấy, chúng tôi sẽ trở lại mạnh mẽ' - Ảnh 2. — Head of delegation Muhammad Syafiq Bin Juffri (second from left) presents a commemorative medal from Nanyang Technological University to the organizing committee

Trường ĐH Công nghệ Nanyang chia tay giải: 'Chờ đấy, chúng tôi sẽ trở lại mạnh mẽ' - Ảnh 3. — The energetic and cute "scholarly" boys of Nanyang Technological University

Besides the dramatic matches, members of Nanyang Technological University also had a trip around Ho Chi Minh City, to famous places such as Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral... to visit and understand more about Vietnamese culture. Benjamin Yi Sheng and his teammates also enjoyed typical Vietnamese dishes and were impressed with the flavors here, especially pho.

In the luggage that the Singaporean football team brought back home, besides being filled with gifts imbued with Vietnamese identity, there were also beautiful memories of their youth and passionate student days.

Waiting for the day to return

Before saying goodbye, the Singapore team left a gift for the organizers. The players lined up in two rows to clap and thank those who had helped them. Even the smallest things received, Team Leader Syafiq's team always appreciated and was grateful. Standing side by side with the Nanyang Technological University team since the beginning of the tournament, the writer could not count how many times, from the team leader, coach, coaching staff to the players, they said thank you and bowed politely to anything they received.

Although they have not been able to win on the football field, in the hearts of those who have been in contact with and worked with the Singapore team, it is clear that Nanyang Technological University has "scored" an important goal with fair-play and martial arts gestures.

Singapore's top students are not only good at studying, but also good at playing soccer, and also leave their mark with their civility, with the spirit of "not being arrogant in victory, not being discouraged in defeat" that any student soccer playground strives for.

Trường ĐH Công nghệ Nanyang chia tay giải: 'Chờ đấy, chúng tôi sẽ trở lại mạnh mẽ' - Ảnh 4. — Nanyang Technological University students (in blue) show off their brave and combative image on the field.

At Tan Son Nhat airport this morning (March 28), the team members were not sad to stop, but only felt a little regretful that they could not stay in Vietnam longer to explore the new and diverse culture together.

"Thank you for the thoughtfulness of the organizing committee, when they picked us up as soon as we landed at the airport, created conditions for the team to come to the 2025 International Youth Student Competition - THACO Cup, and still waited here until we boarded the plane to return. A perfect journey", a team member shared.

Coach Bin Dasuki confidently shared: "We will return to practice harder and prepare more carefully. Just wait, the Nanyang Technological University team will come back stronger to win the championship."

"See you again Vietnam, see you again at the International Youth Student Playground one day soon. We will definitely be back," the Nanyang Technological University players said goodbye.