Hanoi, 13 Oct 2026 – Cong An Ha Noi FC delivered an encouraging performance against Japanese side Kashima Antlers but suffered a 1-0 home defeat at Hang Day Stadium on October 13, leaving the Vietnamese champions without a point after two matches in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27.
Cong An Ha Noi FC entered their second continental fixture determined to recover from a heavy 4-1 defeat against Gamba Osaka in their opening match. Facing another formidable Japanese opponent, Alexandre Polking’s side were widely expected to encounter considerable difficulties against Kashima Antlers, whose squad depth and technical quality made them strong favourites.
However, the Vietnamese champions produced a much more competitive display than in their previous outing, particularly during the opening 45 minutes. Polking named just three foreign players in his starting line-up — Mauk, Leo Artur and Perea — while placing considerable trust in his Vietnamese internationals.
The presence of Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Quang Hai, Le Pham Thanh Long, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh and Bui Hoang Viet Anh provided Cong An Ha Noi FC with a solid foundation. Their coordination and defensive discipline allowed the hosts to maintain a compact structure while creating several promising attacking opportunities.
At times during the first half, Cong An Ha Noi FC even managed to take control of proceedings, pushing forward with confidence and testing the Kashima defence with dangerous attempts on goal. The Vietnamese side showed greater composure in possession and demonstrated that they could compete with a technically superior opponent.
Kashima Antlers, meanwhile, initially struggled to establish their attacking rhythm against the organised home defence. The Japanese visitors gradually adopted a more patient approach, maintaining possession in midfield and waiting for opportunities to exploit spaces during transitions.
The balance of the match shifted after the interval as Kashima increased their tempo and pushed more players into attacking positions. Their quicker passing combinations and varied attacking movements began to stretch the Cong An Ha Noi FC defence, forcing the hosts to spend longer periods protecting their penalty area.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 61st minute, although it came in unfortunate circumstances for the Vietnamese champions. A dangerous low cross into the penalty area struck defender Adou Minh and deflected into his own net, handing Kashima Antlers a 1-0 advantage.
The own goal was particularly frustrating for Cong An Ha Noi FC, who had defended resolutely for much of the encounter. However, the delivery had already created a dangerous situation, with two Kashima players positioned inside the penalty area and ready to finish had the ball travelled beyond Adou Minh.
Determined to avoid another defeat, Polking’s players pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages. Nevertheless, Kashima’s experience and disciplined defensive organisation proved decisive. The Japanese side maintained their shape, limited space between the lines and prevented the hosts from creating clear opportunities inside the penalty area.
Despite their efforts, Cong An Ha Noi FC were unable to find a way through, and Kashima Antlers held on to secure a narrow away victory.
The 1-0 defeat leaves Cong An Ha Noi FC with zero points from their opening two AFC Champions League Elite matches, following losses to Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers.
Although the result represents another setback in their continental campaign, the Vietnamese champions can take encouragement from a significantly improved performance against high-level Japanese opposition. Their defensive organisation, teamwork and ability to compete for long periods suggest progress from the opening-round defeat.
For Polking and his players, however, converting competitive performances into positive results will be essential if Cong An Ha Noi FC are to revive their hopes in Asia’s premier club competition.
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