On the evening of January 8, Thanh Hoa’s Ngoc Tan delivered a moment of brilliance, scoring a stunning goal to secure a 1-1 draw against BG Pathum United in the ASEAN Club Cup 2024-2025 on Leo Stadium in Thailand.
In the 70th minute, under mounting pressure from Thanh Hoa, the ball rebounded to Ngoc Tan near the edge of the box. With a deft strike using the outside of his right foot, Tan curled the ball into the far top corner, leaving BG Pathum’s goalkeeper Saranon Anuin rooted to the spot.
The goal underscored the impressive form Tan has displayed recently. Fresh off Vietnam’s AFF Cup 2024 victory, the midfielder played a pivotal role in that campaign, starting six matches and clocking 481 minutes. His defining moment came with a crucial stoppage-time equalizer against the Philippines during the group stage.
Rather than returning to Vietnam after the AFF Cup final on January 5, Tan stayed in Thailand to join Thanh Hoa in preparation for their ASEAN Club Cup match. Despite concerns about fatigue, the 30-year-old played the full 90 minutes against BG Pathum, contributing both defensively and offensively.
Tan’s presence was crucial in limiting the impact of BG Pathum’s star-studded lineup, which includes Thai internationals such as Chanathip Songkrasin, Teerasil Dangda, and Sarach Yooyen, as well as Singaporean brothers Ilhan and Ikhsan Fandi.
BG Pathum responded to Tan’s goal with relentless attacks and tactical adjustments. In the 87th minute, substitute Sanchai Nontasila equalized with a composed finish inside the box, capitalizing on a rebound after Ilhan Fandi’s shot struck the post. Both sides had chances to secure a winner in the dying minutes, but neither succeeded.
The draw leaves Thanh Hoa and BG Pathum tied with five points each in Group A, trailing PSM Makassar by two points.
Tan’s rise to prominence is a story of perseverance. Trained at the The Cong academy, he faced career uncertainties when the club dissolved in 2010, briefly working as a construction laborer in his hometown of Son Tay, Hanoi. He later joined Hanoi ACB, Viettel, and eventually moved to professional football with Hai Phong.
Since 2020, Tan has been a mainstay at Thanh Hoa under coach Velizar Popov. Over the last three V-League seasons, Tan has played 50 of Thanh Hoa’s 54 matches, including 715 minutes in eight matches this season. His consistent performances earned him a national team call-up for the AFF Cup 2024, where he played a key role in Vietnam’s historic triumph.
Ngoc Tan’s goal against BG Pathum and his enduring impact on both club and country underscore his importance as a player. At 30, he continues to shine, inspiring his teammates and fans alike with his work ethic and skill. Thanh Hoa will hope his contributions can propel them further in the ASEAN Club Cup, while fans eagerly anticipate more memorable performances from this remarkable midfielder.
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