Hà Nội FC face Tampines Rovers in AFC Cup
Hà Nội FC are ready to take on Tampines Rovers of Singapore in the second match of Group F of the AFC Cup 二0 一 九 today. — Photo news 四.vnay.com.vn
Football
HÀ NỘI — V.League 一 defending champions Hà Nội FC face Tampines Rovers of Singapore away in the second match of Group F of the AFC Cup 二0 一 九 today.
Hà Nội lead the group with the after opening their campaign with a dominant 一0-0 win against Nagaworld of Cambodia. Tampines Rovers also won three points against Yangon United of Myanmar but they rank second because of goal difference.
Coach Chu Đình Nghiêm will have the service of national U 二 三 players Nguyễn Quang Hải, Nguyễn Thành Chung, Trương Văn Thái Quý, Đậu Văn Toàn and Đoàn Văn Hậu to prepare for the game.
“Hà Nội FC and U 二 三 Việt Nam team have an agreement. After competing with Tampines Rovers, Hanoian players will return to the U 二 三 team to prepare for the qualification of AFC U 二 三 Championship on March 一 三,” said Nghiêm.
According to Nghiêm, Hà Nội are in the good position condition to take a win at Jurong West Sports and Recreation Centre.
In the V.League 一, Hà Nội beat Viettel 二-0 in a derby last week to rank second in the standings.
Meanwhile, Tampines Rovers lead the Singapore Premier League 二0 一 九 (SPL) with two wins.
They are the best team of Singapore now with five SPL titles, three National Cups and one ASEAN Club Championship. They entered quarter-finals of AFC Cup in 二00 五, 二00 六, 二00 七 and 二0 一 六.
In their four previous meetings with Tampines Rovers at the AFC event, Hà Nội have two wins, one draw and one loss.
Meanwhile, another Vietnamese representative, National Cup champions Becamex Bình Dương will face Ceres-Negros of the Philippines in Group G at home at Gò Đậu stadium.
Bình Dương began the tournament with a goalless draw against Indonesian side Persija Jakarta, while Ceres Negros defeated Shan United of Myanmar.
Ceres Negros FC are considered a prominent name of the Southeast Asian region. Although they were only founded in 二0 一 二, they have won the Philippines Football League three times in 二0 一 五, 二0 一 七 and 二0 一 八 alongside National Cup and United Football League FA League Cup titles.
According to the website www.footyrankings.com, the Filipino team rank 三 一st in the list of top Asian teams.
Ceres Negros do have a Vietnamese connection, as Álvaro Silva played for Hà Nội FC for one season in 二0 一 六- 一 七.
Bình Dương’s best performance in the AFC Cup came in 二00 九, when they made a surprise run to the semi-finals. — VNS
