2023/24 National Cup Qualifiers: Song Lam Nghe An has an overwhelming advantage over Dong Thap
(Baonghean.vn) - The match between Song Lam Nghe An and Dong Thap in the first qualifying round of the 2023/24 National Cup is predicted to be dominated by the home team. Because with their current strength, the Vinh home team completely dominates their opponents.
Reflecting the strength of Dong Thap
After years of impressing in the Vietnam National Championship, Dong Thap football team is no longer noticed by many fans. Because of its limited financial resources, this club has gone downhill without stopping. Notably, in the 2021 season, Dong Thap Football Club played so poorly that it had to be relegated to the Second Division.
By the 2023 season, the Western Club has shown a new face when playing with determination. In the 2023 National Second Division Football Tournament, Dong Thap won 7 matches and drew 2 in the qualifying round of Group B. Next, the home team at Cao Lanh Stadium defeated Tre Da Nang with a score of 6-5 in the 11m penalty shootout in the semi-final and won the promotion ticket.
Stepping up to play in the National First Division 2023 - 2024, Dong Thap is determined to stay in the league successfully. The first move of Dong Thap's Board of Directors was to appoint Mr. Bui Van Dong as head coach, while Phan Thanh Binh has the role of assistant coach.
In terms of force, the team still maintains the same core of players who have grown up from the Dong Thap training center. At the same time, they signed contracts with a number of players with expertise and experience in the defense and midfield lines to accompany the young players. However, after the first two rounds, the Cao Lanh home team began to feel the fierceness of the 2023 - 2024 National First Division Football Tournament. This team suffered defeats in both matches at the beginning of the season. In the first round, away at Dong Nai Club, Dong Thap players lost 0-1. In the second round, despite playing at Cao Lanh home field, the home team continued to lose 0-2 to SHB Da Nang.
Having lost two consecutive matches and not scored any goals, Dong Thap is temporarily at the bottom of the table.
Through the performance in the first two matches, it can be seen that the coordination ability of Dong Thap players was not effective. The team's playing style was still quite monotonous, therefore, it could not create dangerous situations on the opponent's goal.
On the defensive front, the Lotus Club often falls into a passive position, leading to conceding goals quite easily.
Song Lam Nghe An has a superior advantage
Looking at Dong Thap's strength, it can be affirmed that the trip of this team to Vinh Stadium to compete in the 2023/24 National Cup qualifying round will be predicted to be "less good than more bad". Because although Song Lam Nghe An has gone through the first 3 rounds of V.League 2023/24 without achieving impressive results, but looking at the balance of power between the two teams, it can be seen that the home team Vinh Stadium still has the complete advantage.
In particular, in the match in the 2023/24 National Cup qualifying round, it is likely that Song Lam Nghe An will have the return of Trong Hoang and Ngo Van Luong after injuries. With his experience and current ability, veteran Trong Hoang will help the Vinh team's wing to increase its strength. Because even though he is on the other side of his career, the former Vietnamese player still shows a passionate playing style, is a drill that can penetrate the opponent's defense, opening up opportunities for his teammates.
In addition, according to the tournament regulations, Song Lam Nghe An will not be able to have foreign players in the first match of the 2023/24 National Cup qualifiers. Therefore, when striker Ngo Van Luong returns in time, it will help coach Phan Nhu Thuat have more options for the top position in the Nghe team's attack.
With the current personnel, coach Phan Nhu Thuat is forming a highly collective playing style for Song Lam Nghe An. In particular, the Nghe An coach always wants his students to step onto the field with confidence and burning desire. Therefore, the confrontation with Dong Thap will be an opportunity for Song Lam Nghe An players to demonstrate their abilities, thereby, going further in the 2023/24 National Cup.
And with the current quality of personnel, the National Cup is considered the salvation of Song Lam Nghe An in the 2023/24 season. However, in the immediate future, the Vinh home team needs to overcome the "curse" of losing in the first two matches of the two consecutive National Cup seasons of 2022 and 2023. "A good start and a good ending" if they can overcome Dong Thap, Song Lam Nghe An still has a chance to achieve results in this year's season.
The match in the first qualifying round of the 2023/24 National Cup between Song Lam Nghe An and Dong Thap will take place at Vinh Stadium at 5:00 p.m. on November 26.