This afternoon (August 21), Thanh Hoa FC will kick off their campaign in the 2024-2025 ASEAN Club Championship – Shopee Cup with a home match against Shan United from Myanmar. The match marks the beginning of Group A competition, where Thanh Hoa FC will face a series of challenging opponents in their quest for regional glory.
Shan United, the reigning champions of Myanmar, pose a significant challenge in this opening fixture. Thanh Hoa’s head coach, Ljupko Popov, who has extensive experience in Myanmar’s football scene before transitioning to manage in the V-League, expressed his excitement about the reunion with players he knows well. Despite the familiarity, Coach Popov acknowledged that playing at home does not guarantee an easy match. “In reality, we are at a disadvantage because we are currently focusing on building fitness in preparation for the V-League. Shan United, on the other hand, are in the midst of their domestic league, and their players are in better match condition. Nevertheless, we will do our best to achieve a positive result,” Popov assessed.
Joining Coach Popov at the pre-match press conference, midfielder Le Quoc Phuong shared his enthusiasm about returning to the international stage after several years. “Although we are still in the phase of building fitness and tactics, we will always play according to the coach’s philosophy and deliver an attractive style of play, driven by our desire to win. This is our first home game, marking the start of the new season, so the team’s spirit is very high,” Quoc Phuong stated.
On the opposite side, Shan United’s head coach, Myo Hlaing Win, acknowledged the tough challenge his team faces against Thanh Hoa FC. “They have talented players and a head coach in Mr. Popov, who is very experienced and knowledgeable about Myanmar football. I don’t want to make any predictions because football is unpredictable. We will focus on our game and hope for a good result,” Coach Myo Hlaing Win remarked.
The match between Thanh Hoa FC and Shan United is scheduled to take place at 6:00 PM today (August 21) at Thanh Hoa Stadium. In addition to Shan United, Thanh Hoa FC will face stiff competition in Group A from BG Pathum United (Thailand), Terengganu FC (Malaysia), PSM Makassar FC (Indonesia), and Svay Rieng (Cambodia).
In the group stage, teams will compete in a round-robin format, with points determining the standings. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, setting the stage for a fierce battle to secure a place in the next round.
As Thanh Hoa FC embarks on this international journey, the team is eager to make a strong start and capitalize on the home advantage. Fans are expected to fill the stands, creating an electric atmosphere to support their team in what promises to be a thrilling opening match. The outcome of this game could set the tone for Thanh Hoa’s campaign in the ASEAN Club Championship, a tournament that provides a significant opportunity for the club to showcase their strength on a regional level.
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