Ninh Binh, 17 September, 2025 – Nam Dinh FC made a powerful statement in their AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2025/26 debut by defeating Thailand’s Ratchaburi FC 3-1 at Thien Truong Stadium on September 17.
Facing the Thai League 1 runners-up, who arrived in Vietnam with seven foreign players and several Thai internationals including goalkeeper Kampon, defender Jonathan Khemdee, and midfielder Thanawat Suengchittawon, Nam Dinh fielded an unprecedented starting XI. Making full use of new AFC regulations that allow unlimited foreign players, the home side started with 10 overseas recruits, with Ly Cong Hoang Anh the only Vietnamese player in the lineup.
Despite early struggles to find cohesion in front of over 15,000 fans, Nam Dinh’s individual quality quickly shone through. In the 35th minute, Mahmoud Eid broke free on the right and floated a cross to the far post. Brazilian forward Caio Cesar acrobatically volleyed the ball into the ground and past Kampon for the opening goal.
South African forward Percy Tau, formerly of Brighton in the English Premier League, was a constant threat with his pace and skill. He had four attempts on goal before creating Nam Dinh’s second. In the 52nd minute, Kevin Pham Ba’s long throw reached Tau, who controlled superbly before flicking a clever pass for Brenner to volley home.
Just five minutes later, Dutch defender Mitchell Dijks whipped in a pinpoint cross from the left, allowing Brenner to head down into the net for his brace. The striker celebrated with teammates at the corner flag, firing his trademark “archer” celebration to the delight of the home crowd.
With a comfortable lead, Nam Dinh’s stars began to showcase their flair. Dijks produced an audacious rabona pass in midfield, while Tau continued to dazzle with his dribbling.
Ratchaburi, however, refused to fold. After missing two first-half chances, they finally struck in the 60th minute. Denilson’s miscontrol in the box turned into an improvised assist for Tana, whose powerful shot slipped past goalkeeper Caique.
The Thai side pushed forward but lacked sharpness as fatigue set in. Nam Dinh even had a fourth goal disallowed when Eid’s header was ruled offside in the 85th minute. Late substitutes Kyle Hudlin and Kristoffer Normann were introduced as the hosts calmly closed out the 3-1 win.
In the group’s other fixture, Japan’s Gamba Osaka also claimed a 3-1 victory over Eastern FC of Hong Kong. Nam Dinh will travel to face Eastern on October 2, while Ratchaburi host Gamba in what could prove a decisive clash.
ACL Two 2025/26 features 32 clubs split into eight groups across West and East Asia. Teams play home-and-away in round-robin format, with the top two from each group advancing to the round of 16.
Hong Phuc
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