Shocking victory over The Cong team

In recent seasons, the confrontation between The Cong - Viettel Club and Ho Chi Minh City Club has never been considered "equally matched". At the moment, Coach Thach Bao Khanh's team possesses many of the best players in the V-League, from domestic players (with many players currently playing for the Vietnam national team) to foreign players, spread across all lines. In addition, star Nguyen Hoang Duc and his teammates also want to have an impressive debut in the first match since the official name change, with the hope of reviving the glorious past of the name The Cong.

Cheick Timite (right) shined with a double to help Ho Chi Minh City FC win at home in round 4.

Meanwhile, the journey of the "Red Battleship" has not been smooth, as they struggled to stay in the 2023 season and continued to face difficulties in the early stages of the 2023 - 2024 season. The Thong Nhat Stadium team has an average squad quality and has not yet entered "discipline" when there has been a personnel change in the coaching bench. However, coach Phung Thanh Phuong has created a new look in the playing style of Ho Chi Minh City Club in his first match in charge, even though they lost to Binh Duong Club (1-2) in the National Cup. In addition, the "Red Battleship" team is currently in good spirits, as financial issues have been satisfactorily resolved by the team's leadership.

When the players' mentality is relaxed, their legs also become more agile. Although the players of Ho Chi Minh City Club did not hold the ball much, they showed a disciplined style of play in defense and were potentially dangerous when counter-attacking. Especially in the first 45 minutes of the match, Coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team played extremely impressively. The attack line of the Thong Nhat Stadium team took full advantage of the opportunities created, with the "leading bird" Cheick Timite. This 26-year-old foreign player was the author of both goals, helping Ho Chi Minh City Club win a surprising victory over The Cong - Viettel Club.

Hoang Duc (red shirt) was neutralized by players of Ho Chi Minh City Club

Those who watched this match could clearly see that Ho Chi Minh City Club did not win by luck. The "Red Battleship" won all 3 points with clear calculations and a reasonable approach to the match. Coach Phung Thanh Phuong himself said after the match that he had come up with a plan to lock down the opponent's brightest star, midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc. Of course, the victory of the Thong Nhat Stadium team in round 4 was also contributed in no small part by the dismal performance of The Cong - Viettel Club.

It is still too early to conclude whether Ho Chi Minh City FC will continue to achieve favorable results in the V-League. Ahead of the "Red Battleship" will be difficult matches. From round 5 to round 8, they will face strong opponents such as Hai Phong FC, Thanh Hoa FC, SLNA FC and Ha Tinh FC. In the 4 matches mentioned above, Ho Chi Minh City FC will play 3 home matches (against Hai Phong, SLNA and Ha Tinh). From what coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team has shown, there is confidence that Thong Nhat Stadium will "light up" again.

Coach Phung Thanh Phuong (light blue shirt) helps Ho Chi Minh City Club improve

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City FC has risen to 4th place on the V-League rankings, with 7 points after 4 matches. In round 5, the "Red Battleship" will visit Hai Phong FC on December 9.

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