Hong Kong, 1 October 2025 – After an impressive start to their AFC Champions League Two 2025/2026 campaign, Nam Dinh FC are preparing for their first away challenge against Eastern SC of Hong Kong.
Nam Dinh made headlines on matchday one when they convincingly beat Thai League runners-up Ratchaburi 3-1 at a packed Thien Truong Stadium. The result put the Vietnamese side among the early leaders of Group F. However, head coach Vu Hong Viet insists his team must remain focused and correct key shortcomings ahead of their next test at Mong Kok Stadium.
“The whole team is ready. Through tactical analysis, we have identified both the strengths and weaknesses of our opponent,” Viet said in his pre-match press conference. “The surface at Mong Kok is different from our home pitch. Last year we also played here and experienced certain difficulties, but I don’t think this will be a major obstacle. Our target remains the highest possible result.”
The reference recalls Nam Dinh’s victory at the same venue last season, when they defeated Lee Man 2-0 in Asian competition. That memory, coupled with their winning start this year, has strengthened belief within the squad that they can earn another positive result in Hong Kong.
Brazilian defender Lucas echoed his coach’s confidence, stressing the players’ determination to build on their momentum. “We are very happy to return to the AFC Champions League, and especially to play once again at Mong Kok,” he said. “With the tactical plan from the coaching staff, we believe we can win again.”
Unlike many other Vietnamese clubs who rely heavily on foreign signings, Nam Dinh’s mix of overseas talent and domestic players has blended well under Viet’s management. In the opening match against Ratchaburi, Brazilian forward Brenner impressed with a brace, while South African attacker Percy Tau showed flashes of Premier League quality with an assist and several solo efforts.
Still, Viet has warned his side against complacency, pointing to lapses in concentration that allowed Ratchaburi to pull a goal back despite Nam Dinh’s dominance. “We must remain disciplined for 90 minutes. At this level, any mistake can change the match,” the coach emphasized.
The clash with Eastern will be crucial in shaping Group F, which also features Japanese giants Gamba Osaka. On the opening day, Gamba defeated Eastern 3-1, meaning the Hong Kong side enter the second round under pressure to avoid a second straight defeat.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on October 2 at Mong Kok Stadium. A victory would put Nam Dinh in strong position to progress from the group, while also reinforcing their growing reputation as one of Vietnam’s most ambitious clubs on the continental stage.
Tan Chen Liu
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