Than Quang Ninh vs SLNA: Will Baba score next?

(Baonghean.vn) - Currently, while striker Odah has scored 4 goals, Baba, the Ivorian striker, is still without a goal. It's not that Baba hasn't had opportunities, but the luck to score hasn't come his way yet. Perhaps Round 6 of the V League 2016 will be his chance.

This weekend, SLNA will face Than Quang Ninh away from home, a manageable opponent. In fact, this is a team with big ambitions, possessing substantial financial resources and a wealthy owner who is a real player, unafraid of anything.

Remember the 2015 V-League season? They were flying high, then suddenly "something happened" that brought Than Quang Ninh down with two losses against two bottom-ranked teams, Dong Thap and especially Can Tho (0-3), right on Cam Pha stadium, which angered Chairman Hung.

Fans are eagerly awaiting Baba's shot. Photo: Duc Chuyen.

Setting aside coach Dinh Cao Nghia, Pham Thanh Hung personally led his team onto the Chi Lang stadium pitch to face SHB Da Nang, coached by Le Huynh Duc. In that match, Than Quang Ninh's team played like they were possessed, winning 1-0 with numerous chances hitting the crossbar and post. More than once, Chairman Hung extended a red carpet invitation to Huu Thang and Hoang Thinh to "join his team," as the mining magnate appreciated the "Nghe An spirit" in his players. Despite this ambition, the team led by "the two Hungs" (the new head coach is also named Hung) remains only average in this year's V-League.

SLNA's team arrived in Quang Ninh quite early, showing their desire to earn points after two consecutive wins. The return of national team player Dinh Hoang has given the SLNA coaching staff more confidence on the right wing.

Phi Son - far right - has yet to shine this season. (Image: Internet)

With the home team's left-back Thanh Hien injured and unable to play, Phi Son and Dinh Hoang will be instructed to constantly exploit this flank. Certainly, Odah, with his four goals, will be under special attention from opposing defenders, creating an opportunity for Baba to score.

The Ivorian striker is no stranger to the V-League, having scored 6 goals in his last 10 appearances of the season. This year, he has also provided one assist for Odah's goal and had several opportunities to score himself.

Playing as a withdrawn forward in a 4-4-1-1 formation, Baba's direct scoring opportunities are clearly lower than Odah's. However, given that Than QN's players like Van Hieu, Hai Huy, Hong Quan, and Minh Tuan are not particularly good at blocking shots, Baba can certainly make breakthroughs and approach the goal.

Foreign player Baba often plays on the left flank to link up with Van Vinh or receive crosses from Dinh Hoang and Phi Son. Furthermore, Que Ngoc Hai, after his less-than-successful performance as a playmaker against Saigon FC, will have learned many lessons, especially regarding organizing attacks through the center. Hopefully, after his assist for Odah, Ngoc Hai will be able to do the same with the Ivorian striker.

When facing an opponent with a weak midfield, Baba is somewhat freed from defensive duties, allowing him to push forward vertically. With a little more composure and skill in the final touches, Baba is sure to score. SNLA fans are eagerly awaiting the second foreign player to successfully find the net on the mining soil.

An Thanh