HÀ NỘI — Than Quảng Ninh have been tipped as dark horses for the upcoming national premier league.

The team still have key players including midfielder Nghiêm Xuân Tú, who led the V.League 1 in assists last season, and former national team players like midfielders Mạc Hồng Quân, Dương Thanh Hào, Nguyễn Tiến Duy and goalie Huỳnh Tuấn Linh.

Quảng Ninh have also recruited Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Neven Lastro, striker Kouassi Yao Hermann of Ivory Coast who played in the Thai League for seven years and striker Dieylani Fall of Senegal.

In addition to preparing their squad, Quảng Ninh have inked a sponsorship deal with Asanzo Group worth VNĐ20 billion (US$870,000) for 2019 season.

“With the great support in terms of finance and spirit from Asanzo, Quảng Ninh are very confident to enter the league with the aim of ranking in top three and enter the National Cup final,” said club chairman Phạm Thanh Hùng.

Quảng Ninh, who finished fifth last season, will face defending champions Hà Nội FC in the league’s first match at Hàng Đẫy Stadium on Saturday.

Quảng Ninh have a chance to receive more VNĐ500 million ($21,700) from Phạm Văn Tam, chairman of Asanzo, if the team beat the capital side.

The club was promoted to the top flight league in 2014 and lifted both the National Cup and Super Cup in 2016. — VNS