Hanoi FC will host South Korean club Pohang Steelers in their opening match of the AFC Champions League group stage. Kick-off is at 7 PM.
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No Vietnamese club has ever advanced beyond the group stage of the AFC Champions League, and Hanoi FC aims to break that barrier. However, coach Bozidar Bandovic's team will face tough opponents, including the reigning AFC Champions League champions Urawa Red Diamonds, the 2021 runners-up Pohang Steelers, and the Chinese club Wuhan Three Towns.
The opening match against Pohang Steelers at My Dinh Stadium is a major challenge for Hanoi FC. This club has won the AFC Champions League three times and possesses extensive experience in this competition. Historically, Vietnamese clubs have lost 14 and drawn three times against the South Korean representative. The only victory belonged to Binh Duong in 2016 with a 3-2 win against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
The most realistic goal for Hanoi FC is probably a draw to earn a point. Coach Bandovic admitted there is still a gap between Southeast Asian clubs and those from South Korea and Japan. But at this point, Hanoi FC is ready and in good physical condition to play at high intensity for 90 minutes in the AFC Champions League. In terms of strength, Hanoi FC is a prime example of Vietnamese football capable of making history on the continental stage.
Quang Huy - Quang Dung
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