Hanoi, 2 Nov 2026 – Cong An Ha Noi FC head coach Mano Polking is determined to build on his team’s impressive 3-2 victory over Shanghai Port when the Vietnamese side host Japan’s Kyoto Sanga on November 3, with another win potentially strengthening their hopes of reaching the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 knockout stage.
Cong An Ha Noi FC enter their fourth league-stage fixture with renewed confidence after securing their first victory of the continental campaign against Shanghai Port in China. Having suffered consecutive defeats to Japanese opponents Gamba Osaka and Kashima in their opening two matches, Polking’s side responded with an important away win that lifted them to 11th place among the 16 teams in the East Region. The result has given the Vietnamese representatives fresh motivation as they prepare for another demanding encounter against J.League opposition.
Under the AFC Champions League Elite format, 32 clubs are divided equally between the East and West Regions. Each team plays eight matches against different opponents, including four home fixtures and four away games, before the top eight sides from each region advance to the knockout stage. With three matches completed, Cong An Ha Noi FC have collected three points and remain in contention for qualification, although they will need to maintain their momentum against stronger opposition in the remaining fixtures.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Polking made it clear that his team would approach the Kyoto Sanga encounter with the ambition of securing all three points. “After our victory over Shanghai Port, we still have hope of progressing, and achieving that would be wonderful. This will be our second home match in the AFC Champions League Elite. I hope the team can produce a good performance against Kyoto Sanga and secure a victory for our supporters,” the Brazilian-German tactician said.
Polking acknowledged that facing several Japanese clubs during the league stage represents a considerable challenge for Cong An Ha Noi FC. He described Kyoto Sanga as a well-established team with a balanced squad featuring experienced domestic players and quality foreign signings. The coach stressed that his players must prepare carefully and maintain their concentration throughout the match, particularly against opponents capable of exploiting defensive mistakes. Having already faced Gamba Osaka and Kashima, the Vietnamese side will need to apply the lessons learned from those defeats while building on the attacking effectiveness demonstrated against Shanghai Port.
Kyoto Sanga are expected to provide another stern examination of Cong An Ha Noi FC’s continental ambitions. The Japanese side are reported to be leading J.League 1 with 30 points after 13 matches, reflecting their impressive domestic form. Their technical ability, tactical organisation and competitive experience make them dangerous opponents, even for a Cong An Ha Noi FC team encouraged by its recent success in China.
For the Vietnamese representatives, the upcoming fixture is about more than securing another positive result. A victory would significantly improve their position in the East Region standings while increasing confidence ahead of the remaining league-stage matches. With qualification still within reach, Polking will be hoping his players can deliver another disciplined performance and take full advantage of playing in front of their home supporters on November 3.
VSN/RPT
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