Sport

Center back Hoang Van Khanh reveals the secret to "locking down" Nam Dinh's 2m tall striker

Hai Hoang • August 23, 2025 20:59

After the victory over Nam Dinh, center back Hoang Van Khanh revealed that Song Lam Nghe An had carefully analyzed the playing style, thereby neutralizing the away team's foreign striker, who is over 2 meters tall.

In contrast to Nam Dinh's high spirits, Song Lam Nghe An had a difficult start to the new season. The 1-2 defeat to PVF-CAND in the opening round caused coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team to face many problems. The defense lacked concentration, individual mistakes continuously appeared and became a fatal weakness. Therefore, the reception of Nam Dinh at Vinh Stadium on the evening of August 23 was considered a real challenge for the team.

However, Song Lam Nghe An had a great match, with 2 beautiful goals from Ngo Van Luong and foreign player Reon Dale Moore bringing a thrilling 2-1 victory, helping the team win all 3 valuable points.

Ngo Van Luong opened the score for Song Lam Nghe An. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Speaking after the match, center back Hoang Van Khanh shared: “Currently, we are very happy. We entered the match with great determination. The whole team was highly focused until the last seconds and today's result is completely deserved.”

Foreign player Reon Dale Moore sealed the victory for SLNA. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Talking about how to lock down the foreign striker who is over 2m tall on Nam Dinh's side, Van Khanh said: "Before the match, we had a meeting and analyzed very carefully. The coach asked the whole team to be highly focused and not to be negligent. He is really too tall, beyond the reach of Vietnamese players, but we had a suitable plan and completed the task."

The 1995-born midfielder also commented on the integration of Song Lam Nghe An's foreign players: "They haven't integrated 100% yet, but they are trying very hard in every training session. I believe that in the upcoming matches, they will explode more and help the team become stronger."

Hoang Van Khanh tightly locked down the foreign striker over 2m tall on Nam Dinh's side. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Assessing the significance of the victory, Van Khanh emphasized: “The first win, right at home, helps the whole team become much more confident. This is a mental boost for us to compete at our best in the upcoming rounds. Song Lam Nghe An’s goal this season is to enter the Top 10.”

After this match, Song Lam Nghe An will have a difficult away match against Hai Phong on August 27. This will continue to be an important test for coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team in their journey to assert themselves in the new season./.