Foreign players fail to assist Nam Dinh FC in the Asian competition

23/10/2025 09:03:00 ceshi

Despite deploying a squad with 8 foreign players, Nam Dinh was unable to stop a 1-3 loss away to Gamba Osaka. This match demonstrated the wide gap between Vietnamese and Japanese football, where the home team’s quality local players were strong enough to defeat an entire group of foreign players.

Immediately after kickoff, Gamba Osaka implemented a high pressing strategy, making it almost impossible for Nam Dinh to build attacks. From the first seconds, goalkeeper Caique Santos’ goal was under threat. The Japanese team’s skilled domestic players performed like a smooth machine, fully controlling the midfield and repeatedly attacking down both wings. Meanwhile, Nam Dinh, despite fielding an almost fully foreign player lineup, could not withstand the heavy pressure from their opponents.

Rin Mito’s opening goal in the 16th minute was an inevitable outcome following numerous missed chances. Without the brilliance of goalkeeper Caique and a bit of luck from the crossbar, Nam Dinh could have conceded earlier and more goals.

In the second half, before Nam Dinh could regain their spirit, Issam Jebali (Gamba Osaka’s only foreign starter) doubled the lead with an easy finish inside the penalty area. From that moment, the match was effectively decided.

Gamba Osaka played leisurely, while Nam Dinh struggled to respond despite their efforts. The best player on the field was Yamashita. The diminutive Gamba Osaka striker dribbled skillfully and confidently, unsettling Nam Dinh’s defense. He was the creator of both goals for Gamba Osaka.

Near the end, midfielder Meshino dribbled and shot cleverly, causing the ball to deflect off defender Walber, resulting in Nam Dinh conceding their third goal. This play reflected the visitors’ fatigue. The Japanese players forced Coach Vu Hong Viet’s team to chase the ball exhaustively throughout the game. While Nam Dinh made many passing errors and lost many duels, Gamba Osaka’s passing was very precise.

Even with foreign players who have Premier League experience like Percy Tau (in white), Nam Dinh still could not prevent defeat against Gamba Osaka (in dark kits). Photo: Song Ngoc

Nam Dinh’s frustration was also clear in their inaccurate shots. The most notable chance in the first half was from Lam Ti Phong, but the Quang Ngai native shot over the crossbar. In the second half, Eid Mahmoud had a good opportunity, but his close-range shot hit goalkeeper Higashiguchi.

A highlight of the match was the return of tall striker Kyle Hudlin. The English forward had no chance to showcase his aerial skills but shone with hold-up play and a wall pass late in the game to pull one back to 1-3 for the visitors. Nam Dinh at least scored a consolation goal before leaving Japan.

Overall, Nam Dinh had only a few notable attacking moments in over 90 minutes, mostly enduring the balanced strength and tight organization of the Japanese side. In fact, Gamba Osaka didn’t even need to exert full effort.

It is noteworthy that although Nam Dinh started with high hopes, bringing 8 foreign players and considered a strong investment, their play was disjointed, the midfield weak, and the defense confused by the opponents’ pace. Apart from some individual flashes, the Nam team was mostly passive throughout the match.

Nam Dinh’s defeat also teaches Vietnamese clubs that football requires not only money and foreign players but also a solid foundation and sustainable development mindset. Players could also learn professionalism when competing continentally, minimizing petty fouls, time-wasting, and pointless arguments with referees that cause long stoppages — issues that bore spectators and drag Vietnamese football down.

The 3-1 victory helped Gamba Osaka solidify their top position in Group F with a perfect 9 points after 3 matches, while Nam Dinh has 6 points. Nam Dinh will face Gamba Osaka again at their home Thiên Trường Stadium on November 5.

Nam Dinh’s loss serves as a reminder about their chances in Asia’s second-tier club competition this year. Coach Vu Hong Viet’s team is struggling both domestically and internationally. Without careful planning, Nam Dinh could finish the season empty-handed.

Comment (0)