Coach Polking believes CAHN will beat Beijing Guoan despite losing Alan.
Despite losing striker Alan to injury, coach Mano Polking is aiming for three points for CAHN against Beijing Guoan in matchday 5 of Group E of the AFC Champions League Two, a crucial match for qualification to the next round.
CAHN entered their fifth matchday in Group E of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 at Hang Day Stadium without their key striker Alan due to injury. Despite this, coach Mano Polking affirmed that the objective remained unchanged: to secure three points against Beijing Guoan to open the door to the next round. He emphasized that the home team was ready to play on equal terms with the Chinese representative.
A message from the coaching bench.
While acknowledging the strength of their opponents, the German-Brazilian strategist still urged his players to aim for victory at Hang Day Stadium. Looking back at the first leg, Coach Mano Polking recalled his regret that CAHN did not make good use of their opportunities and hoped the team would correct their mistakes in the rematch.
He said: “In the first leg, we created many opportunities but unfortunately missed them. In this match, the whole team will try their best to score as many goals as possible. Of course, things won't be easy because Beijing Guoan has a very solid defense. They may change their personnel compared to before, so we have to prepare many countermeasures.”
Lessons from the 2-2 draw in the first leg.
The 2-2 draw away from home served as a reminder for CAHN of the difference between dominating possession and effectiveness in front of goal. According to coach Mano Polking, opportunities arose but the sharpness wasn't enough to convert them into wins. At home, he focuses on improving the final touch in goal.
Match plan: control and clinical finishing.
Coach Mano Polking demanded that the entire team maintain high concentration, stick to their familiar ball-control style of play, and especially remain calm during finishing. Discipline and composure at crucial moments were seen as key to breaking through Beijing Guoan's solid defense.
The void Alan left behind
Alan's absence due to injury is a major blow, as the striker is a top scorer for CAHN. However, the home team still places their faith in their home advantage at Hang Day Stadium and their collective determination to compensate for the void in their attack. The goal of securing three points remains unchanged.
Opponents and countermeasures
Beijing Guoan is highly rated defensively and may make personnel changes compared to the first leg. CAHN, according to coach Mano Polking, has prepared contingency plans to adapt to all scenarios, from the opponent's defensive organization to adjusting the tempo of attacks on both flanks and through the center.
Time and place
The match between CAHN and Beijing Guoan will take place at 7:15 PM on November 27th at Hang Day Stadium. This is considered a crucial match in Group E, potentially determining the Vietnamese representative's qualification for the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26.
