CAHN loses Alan Grafite before the big match against Beijing Guoan.
Alan Grafite is out for about two months due to an ankle injury, missing the CAHN vs. Beijing Guoan match on November 27th; Bui Hoang Viet Anh, the second-placed team with 5 points, returns.
Hanoi Police (CAHN) will be without their key striker Alan Grafite in the rematch against Beijing Guoan in Group E of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26. The 1998-born forward suffered an ankle injury in the defeat against Macarthur FC on November 6th and is expected to need about two months to recover, thus missing the match scheduled for 7:15 PM on November 27th at Hang Day Stadium. After the fourth matchday, CAHN dropped to second place with 5 points. Conversely, center-back Bui Hoang Viet Anh has recovered and is ready to return.
Gaps in the attacking line
Alan's absence comes at a time when CAHN is under immense pressure regarding results. After the loss to Macarthur FC, Coach Polking's team no longer holds the top spot and faces a fierce race in the second half of the season. Alan is considered a highly impactful striker, so his absence not only affects their goal-scoring ability but also reduces tactical options in the attacking line.
In the context of a tightly contested group, the coaching staff faces a more challenging task: replacing the main attacking player and maintaining the attacking tempo when facing the opponent they drew 2-2 with in the first leg. Redistributing attacking responsibilities and improving efficiency in crucial moments will be key for CAHN to partially compensate for this absence.
The anchor point in the defense
Good news for CAHN is that center-back Bui Hoang Viet Anh has returned from injury. The appearance of the player born in 2000 is expected to bring much-needed stability to the defense system, while also boosting the team's confidence thanks to his extensive international experience. In a crucial match, stability from the back line can provide a foundation for the whole team to patiently look for opportunities.
The context of Group E and the November 27th match.
The match at Hang Day Stadium at 7:15 PM on November 27th holds great significance for the standings in Group E. The two teams drew 2-2 in a dramatic first leg, and with CAHN currently second in the group with 5 points after four matches, every point in the second leg could make a difference in the race for qualification. A mix of caution and intensity is expected throughout the 90 minutes of the return match.
The numbers are noteworthy.
- The period Alan will be out of action is approximately two months.
- Alan's injury occurred after the defeat against Macarthur FC on November 6th.
- CAHN's current position after round 4: second in the table with 5 points.
- The first leg result between CAHN and Beijing Guoan was a 2-2 draw.
- Time and location for the return leg: 7:15 PM on November 27th, Hang Day Stadium.
Despite the absence of their main striker, CAHN welcomes back a key defensive player, entering this crucial match with the need to balance safety and effectiveness. This will be a test of the character and adaptability of Coach Polking's team in the continental arena.
