Quang Nam FC has taken a significant step towards a promising 2024-2025 V-League season by clinching the championship at the recently concluded Thien Long Cup in Da Nang. The team secured their victory with three wins, including a notable triumph over last season’s V-League runner-up Binh Dinh FC, while suffering only one defeat in the closing match.
The Thien Long Cup featured five teams that are anticipated to battle for survival in the upcoming V-League season. Quang Nam, which narrowly escaped relegation last season by finishing just two points ahead of Ha Tinh, showcased their readiness for the upcoming challenges. Under coach Nguyen Thanh Cong, Quang Nam remained in the top-tier league by winning a crucial playoff against PVF-CAND.
The other participating teams included Da Nang FC, recently promoted back to the V-League after a season in the First Division. Coach Truong Viet Hoang and his team are determined to perform well in the new season. Meanwhile, Binh Dinh FC faces an uphill battle after losing 16 key players post their runner-up finish, a situation that has left coach Bui Doan Quang Huy bracing for a potential relegation battle. First Division side Binh Phuoc FC rounded out the competition.
Quang Nam’s championship win at the Thien Long Cup is a testament to their solid preparations under coach Van Sy Son for the 2024-2025 season. The tournament highlighted positive signs, particularly with the integration of new recruits. Trialists Alain Eyenga and Umar Abba, along with Dang Van Lam, made significant contributions by scoring goals. Veteran strikers Hoang Vu Samson and Ngan Van Dai continued to demonstrate their reliability, while goalkeeper Nguyen Van Cong earned the accolade of Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
These developments bolster Quang Nam’s confidence as they gear up for the fiercely competitive V-League relegation battle. However, the season ahead is expected to be challenging. While rivals have made strategic enhancements, coach Van Sy Son has had to contend with the departure of several key players. The loss of three quality foreign players—Yago Ramos, Paulo Conrado, and Eze Stephen—as well as domestic talents like Le Xuan Tu, Mac Duc Viet Anh, Nguyen Vu Hoang Duong, and notably Nguyen Dinh Bac, leaves a significant void in the squad.
Although the new signings have shown promise, their true potential will be tested in official league matches. Despite the victory at the Thien Long Cup, Quang Nam’s weaknesses, such as those exposed in their 0-1 defeat to Ha Tinh, particularly in defensive cohesion and squad depth, must be addressed swiftly. The Cup primarily served as a pre-season training ground, with teams focusing on experimenting with line-ups rather than deploying their best players.
Adding to Quang Nam’s challenges, the team will continue to play their home games at Da Nang’s Hoa Xuan Stadium for most of the first half of the season, due to ongoing renovations at their home ground, Tam Ky Stadium.
Last season, Quang Nam’s survival was largely credited to a strong team spirit, unity, and effective leadership from coach Van Sy Son. With his experience from both championship-contending (Hanoi FC) and relegation-fighting clubs, the coach is accustomed to making the most out of limited resources. The encouraging signs from the pre-season provide a sense of optimism for Quang Nam as they look ahead. With high morale, they believe that extraordinary achievements are possible.
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