Points to note after Song Lam Nghe An's first loss

1."Fatal" mistake

Objectively speaking, coach Huy Hoang's team did not play badly until they conceded the goal. Song Lam Nghe An even created more chances than the home team. However, in a tight match, a serious mistake by central defender Thai Ba Sang ruined everything. The Nam Dinh Steel Club took full advantage of the careless pass back from the central defender wearing the number 86 shirt toscored the only goal of the match. This is Nguyen Phong Hong Duy's first goal in the new shirt and this goal also temporarily brought the team from Thanh Nam to the top of the V.League 2023 rankings.

Hong Duy punished the mistake of Song Lam Nghe An's defense. Photo: VPF

2.Fighting spirit

Although they had to accept a 0-1 defeat, the fighting spirit of the Nghe An team in this match was commendable. Teacher and studentCoach Huy Hoangentered the match with a high determination to create an equal game and play fairly against Nam Dinh Steel Club. In particular, after being led by the home team, Song Lam Nghe An players tried their best to find an equalizer, but the excellence of goalkeeper Nguyen Manh and the lack of luck of the attacking players caused the Nghe team to leave Thien Truong Stadium empty-handed. If they continue to maintain the same enthusiastic playing spirit as the last two matches, fans believe that victory will soon come to coach Huy Hoang's team.

Song Lam Nghe An players played very hard in this match. Photo: VPF

3.Bright spot Ho Van Cuong

In the rain in Nam Dinh, young defender Ho Van Cuong had a very good match. This player born in 2003 continuously attacked and defended on the right wing. Not only did he limit the danger of Hong Duy, this U20 Vietnam player also often had many situations of "passing" his senior to make dangerous crosses inside. Ho Van Cuong deserved to be one of the best players of Song Lam Nghe An in this match.

Young defender Ho Van Cuong is playing better and better for Song Lam Nghe An. Photo: Hai Hoang

The performance of the defender wearing the number 30 shirt against Nam Dinh Blue Steel Club will be a plus point in the eyes of coach Philippe Troussier as the 32nd SEA Games is approaching.

4.The thorny road ahead

After nearly half of the first phase of V.League 2023, Song Lam Nghe An Club has yet to win. This has caused the Nghe team to fall to the bottom half of the rankings. And even more worrying is that in the second half of the first phase, the Nghe team will have to face very difficult opponents atV.League now. These are away matches against Hanoi Police, Viettel Club, Topenland Binh Dinh and the defending champion Hanoi Club. These will be matches where winning 1 point is already a success for coach Huy Hoang and his team.

Trong Hoang and his teammates will have to try harder to achieve the Top 8 goal. Photo: Xuan Thuy

In addition, neighboring teams Hong Linh Ha Tinh and Hoang Anh Gia Lai are also playing very well this season. And it is not easy for the Nghe team to win 3 full points against them even though they are playing at home.

However, with quite positive changes in the last 2 matches, Nghe An fans hope that coach Huy Hoang and his team will rise up after this defeat to find their first victory in the upcoming match.

Spring Quy