Ninh Binh, 16 September, 2025 – Head coach Vu Hong Viet has affirmed that Nam Dinh FC’s domestic players will have opportunities to showcase their abilities when the team makes its debut in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/2026.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on September 16 at Thien Truong Stadium, ahead of Nam Dinh’s opening Group F clash with Thailand’s Ratchaburi FC, the 46-year-old tactician underlined both ambition and confidence.
“We are ready for the AFC Champions League Two. Our target is to advance as far as possible in this tournament,” Viet stated. “We have analyzed Ratchaburi carefully. They have a strong squad with several dangerous foreign players and will be one of our direct rivals for qualification. However, with the support of Thien Truong’s passionate fans, we are confident of achieving a positive result in our opening match.”
Nam Dinh earned their place in the continental competition after finishing among the top V.League 1 clubs last season. In preparation for the campaign, they bolstered their roster with high-profile foreign recruits, aiming to balance domestic strength with international quality.
Despite the spotlight on the new signings, Viet was quick to stress the importance of his local players. “Our foreign newcomers have integrated well with the team. Depending on the opponent and the tactical needs of each match, we will rotate the squad flexibly. The domestic players will definitely still have chances to play and prove themselves in this year’s AFC Champions League Two,” he explained.
The comments reflect Viet’s long-standing philosophy of blending experienced foreign professionals with emerging Vietnamese talent. With a growing pool of homegrown players showing progress in the V.League, Nam Dinh see this continental campaign as both a challenge and an opportunity for development.
The matchup against Ratchaburi is expected to be decisive in shaping the group. Alongside heavyweights like Japan’s Gamba Osaka and Hong Kong’s Eastern, both Nam Dinh and Ratchaburi are seen as potential challengers for a spot in the knockout stage. Securing points at home could be critical for the Vietnamese side’s ambitions.
For Nam Dinh, the return of continental football to Thien Truong carries symbolic weight. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, the stadium has long been considered one of the most intimidating venues in Vietnam. With fans expected to fill the stands, Nam Dinh hope to turn home advantage into momentum.
The Group F encounter between Nam Dinh FC and Ratchaburi FC will kick off at 19:15 on September 17 at Thien Truong Stadium. A victory would give Nam Dinh an ideal start and boost their chances of progressing beyond the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two.
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