SLNA - XSKT.CT (1-1): Credit must be given to the SLNA coaching staff!

(Baonghean.vn) - As the referee blew the final whistle, the players, coaching staff, and fans of the Nghe An team could not hide their regret and disappointment over the result they had just achieved against XSKT Can Tho.

Losing the victory in injury time, right on home ground, against a relatively weak opponent like XSKT Can Tho, is truly regrettable and very disappointing for SLNA and its fans. However, objectively speaking, the performance of Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's team at Vinh Stadium in this second round still has many aspects that deserve recognition and appreciation, opening up positive signs for the road ahead for Nguyen Manh and his teammates.

Head coach Nguyen Duc Thang and the SLNA coaching staff made a positive impression in the match against XSKT Can Tho. Photo: Trung Kien.

Most commendable was the SLNA coaching staff, with the duo of Nguyen Duc Thang and Nguyen Van Thinh. Recognizing the mistakes in their personnel selection in the North Central Vietnam derby against FLC Thanh Hoa, the Nghe An team made significant adjustments, changing four positions in the starting lineup. Van Khanh, Sy Nam, The Cuong, and Ngoc Toan were brought on to replace Manh Hung, Sy Sam, Minh Duc, and Xuan Manh. Thanks to this decision, SLNA showed a much brighter performance in their match against XSKT Can Tho.

The SLNA players created a rather proactive game against the visitors' pressing style of play by controlling the ball, using one-two passes, and coordinating in groups quite smoothly. It's been a long time since fans have witnessed SLNA players playing so fluidly.

From defense to offense, players like Ngoc Duc, Sy Nam, Ngoc Toan, Khac Ngoc, The Cuong, Phi Son, Olaha... all displayed composure and confidence in dribbling and coordinating with their teammates amidst the relentless pressure from the opposing team's players.

According to available statistics, throughout the 90 minutes at Vinh Stadium, the home team controlled the ball for 60% of the time, while Coach Vu Quang Bao's players only had 40%. With a slightly longer possession period, SLNA also knew how to exploit that advantage.

Quite a few opportunities were created from well-planned coordinated plays originating in the center and on both flanks, from aerial balls to ground passes. If they had been more accurate and goalkeeper Bửu Ngọc hadn't played so brilliantly, SLNA would have scored at least two goals from shots by Thế Cường and Henry (three times).

Henry scored for SLNA after a cross from his teammate Olaha.

The tactics employed by the SLNA coaching staff in the match against XSKT Can Tho were extremely effective. For example, Phi Son and The Cuong, despite being wing midfielders, frequently cut inside to stretch the opponent's defense, creating space for the two full-backs, Ngoc Duc and Sy Nam, to deliver crosses into the box. Unfortunately, those crosses were either inaccurate or brilliantly blocked by the XSKT Can Tho defenders.

However, once the SLNA players find their best form after a few more matches, this promises to be an extremely dangerous tactic.

Another clear highlight of the SLNA coaching staff's performance in the recent match was the way foreign striker Olaha played. Although paired with Henry in attack, Olaha actually played deeper, like a classic number 10. With his excellent physical condition and skillful left foot, the 1997-born player showed good ball control, dribbling, and link-up play with his teammates. Thanks to a run down the left flank in SLNA's attack, Olaha assisted Henry in scoring the opening goal.

Observing the Nigerian striker's movements, everyone understood the intention of the duo Nguyen Duc Thang and Nguyen Van Thinh. Instructing Olaha to drop back and share the attacking burden with Khac Ngoc would give SLNA more variety in their approaches to XSKT Can Tho's goal. This would give Khac Ngoc more space to move in front of him, and if he were surrounded by opponents, Olaha would be there to coordinate and help him break free.

Thanks to Olaha dropping deeper, Khắc Ngọc was able to participate more in supporting Ngọc Toàn defensively. The spaces in front of the central defenders Ngọc Hải and Văn Khánh were noticeably reduced, forcing XSKT Cần Thơ to seek a way to score against Nguyên Mạnh through long balls. The SLNA coaching staff's arrangement of having Olaha drop back like an attacking midfielder contributed to the Nghệ An team's midfield dominating XSKT Cần Thơ's midfield, something they failed to do in the match against FLC Thanh Hóa.

Of course, in football, the final result is what matters most. Failing to beat XSKT Can Tho, SLNA remains rooted at the bottom of the table with only 1 point. Many difficulties await Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's team, but for now, let's praise and encourage Henry, Olaha, The Cuong... and especially the SLNA coaching staff, so they can have confidence in the challenging journey of the 2017 V. League./.

Thanh Hung