'Nghe Tinh Derby': Can SLNA break the 'curse'?

According to statistics, SLNA has never enjoyed the joy of victory when facing its neighbor Ha Tinh, whether in a friendly or official match. Last season, despite playing at home, SLNA still had to accept a 0-2 defeat.

Meanwhile, Ha Tinh, having just been promoted to the V-League since the 2020 season, has become SLNA's nemesis. Although there was a time when SLNA was rated much higher in terms of strength and performance, the best result when meeting Ha Tinh was only a draw.

SLNA is ranked 3rd on the rankings. Photo: Hai Hoang

This strange "curse" is making coach Huy Hoang and his team determined to defeat Ha Tinh in the match taking place at Vinh Stadium on the afternoon of July 15.

SLNA just had a convincing 2-0 victory over Ho Chi Minh City Club despite being outnumbered. With this victory, the Nghe An team climbed to 3rd place in the rankings after 5 rounds and is only 1 point behind the top team Hai Phong.

In the match against Ha Tinh, SLNA still did not have the service of midfielder Ojong Mark due to injury. Coach Huy Hoang showed his skill when he brought Xuan Manh to replace the foreign player and played very effectively.

In addition, Tran Dinh Hoang also cannot play due to receiving a red card in the previous round, however, coach Huy Hoang can rest assured when the attacking trio Van Duc - Olaha - Oseni are in very good form.

SLNA has never defeated Ha Tinh. Photo: Hai Hoang

"I think the absence of Dinh Hoang is not too big of a problem. Regarding playing style, SLNA has practiced both defensive and counter-attack tactics. The important thing is how the players transition from defense to counter-attack," coach Huy Hoang shared.

As for Ha Tinh, Thanh Trung was absent due to an injury in the previous round. Under the guidance of coach Nguyen Thanh Cong, Ha Tinh played brilliantly with two consecutive wins against Viettel and Binh Duong, and are very excited when they visit SLNA.

Both SLNA and Ha Tinh are in good form and know each other very well. The match promises to be very exciting, and will the Vinh home team once again be unable to overcome the "curse" of draws and losses against the neighboring team?

The match between SLNA and Ha Tinh in round 7 of Night Wolf V-League 2022 takes place at 6:00 p.m. on July 15 at Vinh Stadium.