Singapore, 9 Oct 2026 – Cong An Ha Noi FC head coach Mano Polking praised his players’ fighting spirit, unity and resilience after securing a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Lion City Sailors in their. ASEAN Club Championship 2026/27 opener.
Cong An Ha Noi FC made a winning start to their regional campaign with an important victory in Singapore, thanks to the only goal of the match from Brazilian forward Leo Artur. The result earned the Vietnamese representatives all three points in their opening fixture and provided an encouraging start to their ambitions in the competition.
Speaking after the match, Polking emphasised the significance of defeating a strong opponent on their home ground, particularly in the opening round of a demanding regional tournament. “This is an extremely important victory against a strong opponent on their home ground in the opening match,” the coach said.
Beyond the result, Polking was particularly pleased with the collective mentality displayed by his players. Cong An Ha Noi FC faced periods of pressure from the Singaporean side but remained organised and determined, demonstrating the resilience needed to protect their narrow advantage.
“We showed tremendous team spirit, stayed united during difficult moments and knew how to endure and overcome pressure when necessary,” Polking explained. “Matches like this will make a team stronger. We are very happy to start the tournament with three valuable points, but this is only the beginning.”
The victory was especially encouraging for Cong An Ha Noi FC as they continue to navigate a demanding schedule involving domestic, regional and continental competitions. With several players recently returning from international duty, maintaining squad unity and managing the physical demands of successive matches remain important challenges for the coaching staff.
Polking also expressed pride in his players’ determination and stressed that the team must maintain the same attitude as the competition progresses. “I am proud of the fighting spirit shown by the entire team. We will continue working hard, keep believing and move forward together. Thank you to the Vietnamese supporters in Singapore,” he said.
The three points provide Cong An Ha Noi FC with an encouraging foundation for their ASEAN Club Championship campaign, but Polking made clear that the team must remain focused on the challenges ahead rather than become complacent after their opening success.
Following their victory over Lion City Sailors, Cong An Ha Noi FC will return to Vietnam to prepare for their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 clash against Japanese side Kashima Antlers. The match is scheduled to take place at 7:15 p.m. on October 13 at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi, presenting another significant test for Polking’s side as they look to carry their winning momentum onto the continental stage.
VSN/RPT
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