AFC Cup 2018: SLNA goes to Malaysia with a patchwork squad

In Group H, Song Lam Nghe An is currently ranked 2nd, with 10 points equal to Persija Jakarta (IDN) but losing in goal difference, SLNA +4 and Persija +5. The final match of this group will take place on April 24, SLNA will visit Johor DT with 7 points and Persija Jakarta will visit Tampines Rover.

The situation of Group H, AFC Cup 2018 after the penultimate round. Photo: AFC

Regardless of the result of the remaining match, SLNA must win on Malaysian soil against Johor Darul Ta'zim if they want to advance. In the first leg, coach Duc Thang and his team defeated 2-0 at Vinh Stadium with 2 goals from Phan Van Duc and Pham Xuan Manh.

In the domestic arena, SLNA is not really performing impressively in terms of attack. Since the loss to FLC Thanh Hoa in V.League, SLNA is undefeated in 4 matches, 2 wins, 2 draws, but the problem of the Nghe An team is the finishing. SLNA's performance in V.League is 7 goals conceded, 7 goals scored/6 matches.

Statistics at the AFC Cup 2018 arena, SLNA's strikers launched 54 shots, 22 on target and only scored 6 goals. The goals were divided equally among Khac Ngoc, Olaha, Phuc Tinh, Tuan Tai, Van Duc, Xuan Manh. While other opponents such as Persija Jakarta had 9 goals after 59 shots, this number for Johor Darul Ta'zim was 5/62.

Midfielders Khac Ngoc, Ngoc Hai, Xuan Manh and Olaha Michael will not participate in the final match of Group H, AFC Cup. Photo: Duc Anh

In terms of defense, Johor DT - SLNA's opponent has the worst defense with 7 goals conceded, while Persija's number is 4. SLNA has the most solid defense with 2 goals conceded in matches against Persija and Tampines Rover.

In the Malaysian Premier League and the Malaysian FA Cup, Johor Darul Ta'zim are showing contrasting performances. The Malaysian football giants were just eliminated from the FA Cup after a 0-3 loss to Pahang FC. In the Super League, coach Raul Longhi's team is still in the top spot after 6 matches. In the last 5 matches, this team lost 2, won 2 and drew 1 in all competitions.

However, after the 0-3 loss to Pahang FC, coach Raul Longhi spoke up to admit the problems facing the Malaysian giants' defense. In addition, this coach spoke up about the difficulties facing the attack in the absence of Diaz and Figueroa who are injured. In terms of force, Johor DT also encountered certain disturbances in terms of force.

Johor DT has fielded a patchwork lineup in recent matches. Photo: Johor DT

On SLNA's side, coach Duc Thang will not have the service of central defender Que Ngoc Hai in this match. SLNA's acting captain suffered an eye injury after the match against B. Binh Duong in round 6 of V.League. Defender Pham Xuan Manh is also not on the list of players going to Malaysia because he has received enough cards. Ho Phuc Tinh, Le The Cuong, Osmar Francisco, Ngoc Toan are also "wounded soldiers" waiting to return.

The Nghe An team will travel to Malaysia tomorrow (April 22) with 16 players without Olaha Michael and midfielder Khac Ngoc. However, SLNA still brings other quality players: Hoang Van Khanh, Pham Manh Hung, Tran Dinh Hoang and the player in good form Phan Van Duc.

Thus, SLNA is preparing for the "final" match of Group H against Johor Darul Ta'zim with a squad that is not optimal. However, the chance of winning and getting through the narrow door to the knockout round is still divided equally for the representative of Vietnamese football.

List of SLNA players for the match against Johor Darul Ta'zim on April 24:

TM Le Van Hung, Tran Van Tien, Vo Ngoc Duc, Pham The Nhat, Tran Dinh Hoang, Hoang Van Khanh, Ho Tuan Tai, Dau Thanh Phong, Nguyen Sy Nam, Ngo Xuan Toan, Ho Sy Sam, Cao Xuan Thang, Nguyen Phu Nguyen, Nguyen Viet Nguyen, Pham Manh Hung, Phan Van Duc.

Former head coach of Song Lam Nghe An places high hopes on Ho Tuan Tai

(Baonghean.vn) - Watching the goalless draw between Song Lam Nghe An and B. Binh Duong in round 6 of V.League 2018, coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh still had words of praise for the efforts of young striker Ho Tuan Tai.