Nam Dinh was held to a regrettable draw by the Thai League runner-up

On the evening of October 2, Nam Dinh FC was held to a 0-0 draw against Bangkok United at Thien Truong Stadium in their AFC Champions League Two match, despite creating several dangerous opportunities, including hitting the crossbar twice.

Nam Dinh showed their determination to secure a victory by fielding a lineup featuring eight foreign players, including newly naturalized player Nguyen Xuan Son. The three domestic players who started were Tran Nguyen Manh, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy, and To Van Vu. On the other side, familiar Thai national team players such as Thitipan Puangjan and Weerathep Pomphan also made appearances for Bangkok United.

With the advantage of playing at home, Nam Dinh pushed forward in attack, but Bangkok United, a formidable opponent, handled the pressure well. Despite the high pressing from Nam Dinh’s players, the Thai team managed to escape tight situations. The possession stats reflected a balanced game in the first half, with Nam Dinh holding 51% and Bangkok United 49%. Both teams had quality attacking players and created opportunities, but neither side was able to find the finishing touch to score. The first half ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

In the second half, after 15 minutes without much improvement in play, Nam Dinh head coach Vu Hong Viet made substitutions, bringing on Nguyen Van Toan and Nguyen Van Vi to replace Moses Odo and Nguyen Phong Hong Duy in an attempt to strengthen the attack. Nam Dinh’s performance improved, and they created more scoring opportunities as Van Toan linked up well with Hendrio. In the closing minutes, the home team applied significant pressure, forcing Bangkok United goalkeeper Khammai to make several crucial saves.

However, luck was not on Nam Dinh’s side. In the 65th and 90+3rd minutes, despite Khammai being beaten, Nam Dinh’s shots hit the crossbar, denying them the breakthrough goal.

In the end, Nam Dinh and Bangkok United had to settle for a 0-0 draw. With this result, the two teams remain at the top of Group G, with the Thai side holding the lead due to having scored more goals (4 compared to Nam Dinh’s 2).