The Lam River in Nghe An and the stormy October
Song Lam Nghe An is entering October – a period that has consistently brought anxiety to the team from Nghe An province over the past few seasons. Statistical data shows that, since 2019, the yellow-shirted team has never been able to maintain consistent performance when October arrives.
And the 2025 season is no exception, as challenges are piling up for Song Lam Nghe An.
In the last 15 matches played in October in V.League seasons,Lam River, Nghe AnThey only managed a meager 3 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses. Notably, in the last two seasons, they couldn't even secure a single victory, with only 3 draws and 1 loss. These telling statistics show that October seems to be the time when the team from Nghe An loses both form and confidence, causing Song Lam Nghe An to quickly fall to the bottom half of the league table.
This season, Song Lam Nghe An played their first match of October when they traveled to Pleiku to face hosts Hoang Anh Gia Lai. Under heavy rain, the Nghe An team was fortunate to secure a point when center-back Jairo Rodrigues missed a penalty in the final minutes of the match.
However, Song Lam Nghe An's toughest challenge will come in Round 7, on October 18th – where they will host Hanoi Police – a leading contender for this year's championship. The Police team is showing devastating form with a streak of 7 unbeaten matches in all competitions, including 6 wins and only 1 draw. Under the guidance of coach Mano Polking, Hanoi Police plays with discipline, speed, and great composure.
More importantly, since the Hanoi Police returned.V.LeagueIn 2023, Song Lam Nghe An had yet to enjoy a single victory in their head-to-head encounters. After 6 matches, the team from Nghe An lost 4 and only managed 2 draws. Furthermore, Song Lam Nghe An's current squad is completely inferior to that of the Hanoi Police team. In this context, securing points against Hanoi Police is becoming an extremely difficult task for coach Van Sy Son and his players.
The only hope of a win in October will likely come in the 8th round of the V.League, when Song Lam Nghe An hosts Dong A Thanh Hoa at Vinh Stadium on October 26th. The Thanh Hoa team has been in serious decline since the end of last season. Across all competitions, Dong A Thanh Hoa has gone 14 consecutive matches without a win. This season alone, they have had 3 draws and 4 losses – a record that has left many Thanh Hoa fans deeply disappointed.
However, despite being considered weaker in terms of current form, Dong A Thanh Hoa remains a formidable opponent for Song Lam Nghe An. In the last 11 Thanh Hoa-Nghe An derby matches, the Nghe An team has failed to win a single game. Specifically, Song Lam Nghe An drew 5 and lost 6. Every encounter with their neighboring team always carries significant risks, due to the tense nature of the rivalry and the historical ties between the two footballing regions with rich traditions.
The biggest boost for Song Lam Nghe An right now is probably the change on the coaching bench. After coach Phan Nhu Thuat resigned, former defender Van Sy Son was appointed as head coach. His experience leading Quang Nam Club, along with his understanding of domestic football and his Nghe An spirit, means the 53-year-old coach is expected to bring a fresh perspective to his hometown team.
Tactical adjustments, the intensity in the dressing room, and the passion from the former player who once wore the Song Lam Nghe An jersey during its golden age could be the catalysts for the team to overcome the October hurdle.
The three matches in October – including Hoang Anh Gia Lai (which ended in a draw), Hanoi Police, and Dong A Thanh Hoa – are three real tests for Song Lam Nghe An. They've already secured one point, but the remaining points will depend heavily on their quick adaptation.Coach Van Sy Sonand the players' resilience in overcoming difficulties.
Hopefully, the saying "changing coaches changes fortunes" will hold true for Song Lam Nghe An, and the team from Nghe An will achieve good results in the remaining two matches of this turbulent October.
