Song Lam Nghe An and 'gains and losses' in the year of the Dragon

1.Lam River Nghe Anstarted the new year with a 2-0 victory over Quy Nhon Binh Dinh, in round 9 of V.League 2023/2024, taking place on February 18, 2024, i.e. January 9, year of the Dragon. Unfortunately, Song Lam Nghe An's next journey encountered countless difficulties with a series of bad matches in both the V.League and National Cup arenas.

Disappointing results have kept the Vinh home team in the "red light" group of V.League 2023/2024. With a 2-0 victory over The Cong - Viettel in round 26, the Nghe team officially won the right to stay in the league, and at the same time handed over the ticket to the play-off match to "neighbor" Hong Linh Ha Tinh. A lucky escape.

In the National Cup, Song Lam Nghe An also had to leave the race early with a 0-1 defeat to SHB Da Nang right at Vinh Stadium in the round of 16. Don't forget, in the 2023/2024 season, the Han River team is still competing in the National First Division. It is enough to see that Song Lam Nghe An's domestic players are still too inexperienced.

2. Entering the 2024/2025 season, Song Lam Nghe An's squad has had many changes. Mario Zebic, Raphael Success, Tran Van Tien, Mai Sy Hoang, Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Van Viet all had to pack their bags and leave Vinh Stadium. On the other hand, the Nghe An team also had the services of Sebastian Zaracho, Benjamin Kuku and the return of Ho Van Cuong.

Objectively speaking, compared to last season, Song Lam Nghe An's strength has not changed in a positive direction. The proof is that Michael Olaha and his teammates have experienced extremely disappointing results. Specifically, it was not until the 11th round that the Nghe team had their first win after defeating Becamex Binh Duong with a score of 1 - 0.

Although Tran Manh Quynh was the one who scored, the victory was largely due to the duo Hoang Van Khanh - Ho Khac Ngoc. Their return to Vinh Stadium has initially helped Song Lam Nghe An's playing style improve. Certainly, coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team have relieved the pressure they have endured over the past time.

Besides, in the National Cup arena, Song Lam Nghe An excellently defeated SHB Da Nang in the round of 16 with a score of 1 - 0. The next opponent of the Nghe team in the quarter-finals is Dong Thap, representative of the National First Division. Obviously, the opportunity to participate in the round of 4 strongest teams - the semi-finals is open for coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team.

So the journey of Song Lam Nghe An in the year of Giap Thin has ended with ups and downs. Hopefully, coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team will compete excellently and reap success in the year of At Ty.