Hai Phong FC seemed to have a difficult match when hosting Sabah (Malaysia) in the third match of Group H, AFC Cup 2023-2024, but they played very well and won 3-2. With this result, the home team Lach Tray Stadium has a wide open door to continue to the knockout round.
Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem of Hai Phong FC (Photo: Tuan Bao).
After the match, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem affirmed that the Malaysian opponent underestimated Hai Phong FC, he said: "They underestimated us, did not respect Hai Phong FC and accepted defeat. In this match, the whole team played well, followed the tactics and fought until the last minutes.
Regarding the two goals we conceded, the first goal was because we lost concentration, and the second goal was because our opponent was too good."
Assessing the chances of advancing in Group H, Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem said: "In the next match, Hai Phong FC will have to go to Malaysia to play the return match. That is the match that will decide the possibility of advancing, and both teams have a chance."
Dam Tien Dung (the player who scored twice in the match) shared: "Sabah is considered the strongest opponent in the group, but we fought with all our might. In the rematch, Hai Phong FC will focus more and improve on ball situations, correcting the mistakes made today."
Sabah FC coach Ong Kim Swee at the post-match press conference (Photo: Tuan Bao).
On the other side of the front line, Sabah FC coach Ong Kim Swee said: "The two early goals ruined our plan. After falling behind, it took until the 65th minute for the team to equalize, but I am satisfied with the fighting spirit of the players.
Hai Phong is a strong team, they have the motivation to win to keep their chances of going on, we tried until the last minutes but didn't have enough time."
"The match was very difficult. Sabah Club has some players who have just returned from the national team, their physical condition is not guaranteed, leading to an impact on their performance. We did not have a good performance in the match," concluded coach Ong Kim Swee.
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