Football

Hải Phòng will visit PSM Makassar on November 30 at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Bali, Indonesia. Photo of Hải Phòng FC

HÀ NỘI — Hải Phòng coach Chu Đình Nghiêm has faith his side can advance to the next round of the AFC Cup but they need a win over PSM Makassar.

Hải Phòng play the Indonesian side away on November 30. A win will strengthen Hải Phòng's second position in Group H and give them a chance to progress in the continental competition.

"We were lucky beating PSM Makassar 3-0 in our first leg match in September. Our chances to qualify for next stage will be evaluated after our rematch. It is 50-50 for both," said Nghiêm.

“PSM Makassar are a strong team with quality players. We will have try our best during the match to reach our target."

Attending the press briefing with his coach, striker Joseph Mpande said Hải Phòng players are determined for a win.

He said the route in the AFC Cup was still quite long, but the team were ready for the challenges. Playing away was a difficult task, but Hải Phòng would work hard for the victory.

PSM coach Bernardo Tavares said they plan to be cautious but were confident playing at home of a good result.

The Portuguese said Hải Phòng were a tough rival and his team would face big challenge as the Vietnamese side were a higher level than PSM Makassar.

"In my opinion, Hải Phòng are a strong team. Players from Việt Nam have fierce playing style and they are extremely focused," said Tavares.

"We did not have much time to prepare for the match. Meanwhile, Hải Phòng's last match was from early November, so they have more time than us.

"Hopefully we can improve things. We will try our best to achieve the most positive result and hope that PSM Makassar Club will have a good performance hosting Hải Phòng."

Hải Phòng and PSM Makassar both have six points after four matches. They place second and third, respectively in Group H's ranking, having three points short of leader Sabah FC of Malaysia.

The losers on Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium will be eliminated from the tournament.  

Striker Phạm Tuấn Hải of Hà Nội FC in action during the AFC Champions League between Hà Nội and Pojhang Steelers. Hà Nội lose 2-0. Photo of AFC

In other news, Hà Nội FC were officially out of the AFC Champions League after a 2-0 loss to South Korean Pohang Steelers on November 29 at the Pohang Steel Yard Stadium.

Having already booked their Round of 16 spot, Pohang delivered another masterclass as they reinforced their credentials as among the favourites to lift the title. 

Pohang were awarded a penalty and Lee Ho-jae opened the scoring from the spot with some assistance from the inside of the post and the hosts took a deserved lead in the 33rd minute.

The hosts scored their second goal when Ha Chang-rae’s header from a corner six-yards out doubled their lead as Pohang were on course to make it five wins from five.

Hà Nội’s best chance of the match fell to Nguyễn Văn Quyết when a clever move found the forward on the edge of the box, but his curling effort had too much power behind it and was unable to find the target.

Later, Phạm Xuân Mạnh’s strike from close range went over the bar as Pohang held on to maintain their 100 per cent record to top the group with 15 points.

In the other match, Urawa Reds of Japan beat Wuhan Three Towns of China 2-1 to place second position with seven points.

Hà Nội are at the bottom with only three and eliminated from the tournament.

Next up, Pohang will sign off their campaign against Wuhan Three Towns while Hà Nội will host Urawa Reds back in Việt Nam on December 6.

"Playing on such cold weather was a big problem but it was not main reason for our loss," said striker Phạm Tuấn Hải.

"Despite being ousted, we will play our best in the last match for our pride and Vietnamese supporters," he said. VNS