Ninh Binh, 28 January 2026 – Xuan Son and his teammates at Nam Dinh are determined to secure all three points against Singapore’s Lion City Sailors in the 2025/2026 Southeast Asia Champions Cup group stage, as the Vietnamese side look to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
After a lengthy break, Nam Dinh are set to return to competitive action with a crucial clash against Lion City Sailors. A victory over the Singaporean representatives would allow the team from Thien Truong Stadium to further consolidate their lead in the standings and boost their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
Speaking ahead of the match, head coach Mauro Jeronimo acknowledged the quality of the opposition but insisted that his team’s ambition remains unchanged. “Lion City Sailors are a strong team. They are in good form this season, with a quality squad and a coach who has worked with the team for many years. However, our objective is still clear — Nam Dinh want to win this match,” he said.
The Portuguese coach also admitted that the long break has been both a benefit and a challenge. He noted that while the time off allowed the team to refine tactics and regroup, the lack of official matches is not always ideal for match sharpness. Even so, he stressed that this would not be an excuse and expressed full confidence in his players.
Mauro Jeronimo also highlighted the importance of Xuan Son’s return. Although the forward is not yet at peak physical condition, the coach believes his presence is vital. He praised Xuan Son’s performance against Bangkok United, where he continued to press, accelerate, and scored a goal late in the match. According to the coach, that fighting spirit reflects exactly what he wants from the squad. The immediate target, he emphasized, is to secure a place in the semifinals before thinking further ahead.
Center-back Lucas Alves echoed his coach’s determination. He admitted that, as a professional player, he prefers playing regularly rather than enduring long breaks. However, he said the team had used the pause effectively to reorganize and prepare. Lucas Alves added that their current position at the top of the group is proof of the collective effort and focus. Like the coach, he confirmed that qualification for the semifinals is the short-term goal, and achieving that starts with a strong performance in this match.
The match between Nam Dinh and Lion City Sailors will kick off at 19:30 on January 29 at Thien Truong Stadium.
Kim Tuyen
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