Song Lam Nghe An meets PVF-CAND: A smooth start and a smooth ending

Indeed, last summer ofLam River Nghe Annot smooth. Many first team players had to participate in the 2025 National U21 Tournament, causing them to gather late and making it difficult for them to reach their best physical condition. This significantly affected the cohesion in the playing style and tactical planning of coach Phan Nhu Thuat.

Besides, the foreign force is not really stable. Apart from veteran striker Michael Olaha, only rookie Carlos Enrique has time to join the team and get acquainted with the team. The two foreign players from Trinidad & Tobago have just arrived in Nghe An, it is difficult for them to be ready for the opening match. This forces SLNA to put a big responsibility on the domestic players and especially Michael Olaha - the "locomotive" in the attack.

In defense, the excellence of young goalkeeper Cao Van Binh and the experience of central defender Hoang Van Khanh will be the mainstay. The two wings with Vuong Van Huy and Ho Van Cuong promise to bring solidity in defense and effective support in attack. These can be considered the two most stable flanks of the Nghe team at present.

Meanwhile, Song Lam Nghe An’s midfield will rely on the dynamism of Nguyen Quang Vinh and the creativity of “conductor” Ho Khac Ngoc. The combination of a passionate young player and an experienced leader will play a decisive role in controlling the game, especially when rookie Carlos Enrique is uncertain to play.

In attack, Michael Olaha continues to be the number one hope. Alongside him will most likely be the duo Le Dinh Long Vu and Ngo Van Luong – two young players expected to make an impact. If these main options are not effective, quality substitutes like Le Van Quy or Tran Manh Quynh are ready to create a breakthrough when put on the field.

On the other side of the front line, PVF-CAND has just joined theV.Leaguebut possess a formidable force. The most notable name is Joshep Mpande - a versatile Ugandan player with extensive experience playing in Vietnam. He not only adds strength but also brings tactical depth to coach Thach Bao Khanh.

In addition, this team also has a solid defense with the central defender duo Alain Eyenga, Nguyen Hieu Minh, a mobile midfield thanks to Huynh Cong Den and Nguyen Xuan Bac, and a powerful attack with Amarildo, Hoang Vu Samson and Saqkeem Joseph. This is a framework that promises to create many difficulties for any opponent in V.League.

With the current force, coach Phan Nhu Thuat will most likely prioritize solidity in defense, taking advantage of quick counterattacks to exploit the gaps behind the PVF-CAND defense. In which, the role of conductor Ho Khac Ngoc will be extremely important in switching the state and launching high-damage passes. Up front, striker Michael Olaha will have to take full advantage of every opportunity to convert into goals.

In addition, Song Lam Nghe An will certainly have to play with maximum concentration, because just one small mistake against an excited opponent like PVF-CAND can make them pay the price. One point away from home is a realistic goal, but three points will helpNghe An football teamget a big mental boost for the whole season.

It can be said that, despite facing many difficulties in terms of force and physical condition, Song Lam Nghe An still possesses factors that can make a difference in the upcoming match. The match with PVF-CAND will be a measure of the mettle of coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team.

Hopefully, the Nghe An team will have an excellent performance to open V.League 2025 with the most favorable results.