Osaka, 21 October 2025 – Ahead of their away match against Japan’s Gamba Osaka, head coach Vu Hong Viet affirmed that Nam Dinh FC will fight to compete for the top spot in Group F of the AFC Champions League Two, despite the challenge of facing a strong opponent on their home turf.
The upcoming encounter between Gamba Osaka and Nam Dinh FC has attracted significant attention as both teams currently sit atop Group F with two wins each. Gamba Osaka lead the group on goal difference, making Monday’s match at 17:00 (Vietnam time), October 22, decisive in determining which side takes control of the race for first place.
Speaking before the match, head coach Vu Hong Viet emphasized the importance of the fixture for his team’s campaign. “This is a crucial match because both sides are competing directly for the top spot, having each secured two victories,” he said. “I’m particularly impressed by Gamba Osaka’s midfield. They have two extremely high-quality central midfielders, and their No.7 forward is also a dangerous player. We’ll need to pay close attention to these individuals.”
While Nam Dinh have struggled for consistency in the V.League 1, their form in continental competition has been remarkable. Making full use of their quota of foreign players, the Vietnamese champions have recorded back-to-back victories — defeating Ratchaburi (Thailand) and Eastern (Hong Kong, China) — to put themselves in strong contention for qualification to the knockout stage.
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Alves echoed his coach’s determination while acknowledging the strength of their Japanese opponents. “Clubs from the J.League are always very strong, and Gamba Osaka are no exception,” he said. “We have some experience facing Japanese teams after playing against Sanfrecce Hiroshima last season. It will be a difficult game, but Nam Dinh will give everything to get a good result.”
With both teams unbeaten and displaying attacking intent, the clash promises to be one of the highlights of the AFC Champions League Two 2025–2026 group stage. For Nam Dinh FC, a positive result would not only strengthen their bid for the top spot but also confirm their status as one of Southeast Asia’s rising forces in club football.
All eyes will be on Suita City Stadium as Nam Dinh FC look to continue their dream run in Asia under coach Vu Hong Viet, against a Gamba Osaka side known for their tactical discipline and home advantage.
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