Makassar, April 1, 2025 – Ahead of the Shopee Cup 2024/2025 semifinal first leg against PSM Makassar, Hanoi Police FC head coach Alexandre Polking shared his thoughts with the media: “So far, the Shopee Cup 2024/25 has run smoothly for Hanoi Police FC, and I’m thrilled to see us reach the semifinals. Facing PSM Makassar on their home turf will be a major challenge, but we’ve prepared thoroughly. The team arrived early in Makassar to adapt to the climate, aiming for a positive result.”
Assessing the opposition, Polking noted: “PSM Makassar is a formidable team. They won their domestic league two years ago and have since undergone significant changes. Their strength lies in set pieces, but Hanoi Police FC is fully confident and ready with the strategies we’ve devised.” The Brazilian coach, who replaced Gong Oh-kyun in December 2024 after leading Vietnam to the ASEAN Cup title, added, “I hope this match will be lively, with strong support from the crowd. We aim to deliver an exciting game—not just for Makassar fans, but for all football lovers across Southeast Asia.”
Midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai echoed his coach’s resolve: “Hanoi Police FC endured a long journey to get here. We’ve prepared meticulously and studied PSM Makassar closely to deliver our best performance.” The 27-year-old star, pivotal in Hanoi Police’s run with four goals in the tournament, including a brace against Kelantan Darul Naim, is set to orchestrate the midfield against PSM’s robust defense.
The clash, pitting Hanoi Police FC—V-League leaders with an unbeaten streak—against PSM Makassar, Indonesia’s Liga 1 runners-up last season, kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on April 2 at the Batakan Stadium. Vietnam Voice Online will provide live updates, inviting fans to follow along. Hanoi Police, having ousted Thailand’s Buriram United 2-1 in the quarterfinals, now face a PSM side bolstered by new signings like Brazilian striker Victor Dethan. A favorable result here could set Polking’s men up for the second leg at Hang Day Stadium on April 16, with a spot in the final—and a shot at the inaugural Shopee Cup title—on the line.
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