Ton Duc Thang University is confident in a tough group.

Following the draw for the final round of the 4th Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - 2026, THACO Cup, Coach Nguyen Dinh Long of Ton Duc Thang University – the only team to have participated in the final round four times in a row – shared his candid thoughts on the fierce competition in the challenging group.

Satisfied with the draw results.

On the afternoon of March 5th, the draw for the group stage of the 4th Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - 2026 (TNSV THACO Cup 2026) took place in Nha Trang. The results placed Ton Duc Thang University in Group A along with the host team Nha Trang University, FPT Polytechnic College, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry. This is considered a very unpredictable group in this year's tournament.

As the coach of the only team to have reached the finals of the Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament four times in a row, Coach Nguyen Dinh Long remained quite calm about the result. He believes that having reached the final round, all 12 teams are elite teams with thorough investment. After the draw, Coach Long said: "Overall, I am quite satisfied with this result. The opportunities are now evenly distributed among all four teams in Group A. In this competition, any team that reaches the finals has made thorough investments in expertise, technique, and personnel."

Coach Nguyen Dinh Long (left) of Ton Duc Thang University team

PHOTO: Y KIEN

The homeowner is a mystery.

One of the challenges facing Ton Duc Thang University is the host team, Nha Trang University. Because they didn't have to play in the qualifying rounds, the playing style of the team from the coastal city remains a big question mark for the remaining opponents. Coach Nguyen Dinh Long commented: "For Group A, the first thing to mention is the host team, Nha Trang. They are truly an unknown quantity because we haven't had the opportunity to observe them play. However, with the home advantage and hosting the tournament, they have certainly made the best preparations in every aspect. Therefore, it's very difficult to fully assess their strength at this moment."

Besides the home team,FPT Polytechnic College is also a name that caught the attention of the coach of Ton Duc Thang University, especially since this team is led by former HAGL player Tran Huu Dong Trieu. Mr. Long highly appreciated the presence of his colleague on the coaching bench: "FPT Polytechnic is also a team that has prepared very well. The fact that they have coach Tran Huu Dong Trieu means they have good expertise. That's why FPT Polytechnic College has advanced through the qualifying round to participate in the finals. With his experience and professionalism, who knows, Dong Trieu's enthusiasm might breathe new life into the representative from the North."

The Ton Duc Thang University team scored 18 goals in 4 matches in the qualifying round and conceded none.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENT

According to the schedule, coach Nguyen Dinh Long and his players will face a challenging opening match against Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry at 1 PM on March 7th.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/truong-dh-ton-duc-thang-tu-tin-trong-bang-dau-kho-185260305163353662.htm