Coach Kim Sang Sik can finally breathe a sigh of relief

15/10/2025 11:44:00 esportapi

Although the win was not as decisive as expected, Coach Kim Sang Sik can breathe easier since Trung Kiên did not concede any goals against Nepal in the second leg. Vietnam achieved their target of two victories over the FIFA-ranked 176th team but still needs significant improvements soon.

Compared to the first leg at Gò Đậu Stadium, Vietnam generally played more fluidly in the second leg. Coach Kim Sang Sik started Trung Kiên instead of Văn Lâm, Hiểu Minh replaced Bùi Tiến Dũng, and Văn Vĩ and Thanh Nhàn took forward positions alongside striker Tiến Linh from the start.

The heavy rain created unfavorable conditions that favored Nepal, as Coach Matt Ross’s players are mostly used to playing on damp fields in Nepal. Indeed, as soon as the match began, Nepal played better and nearly forced Trung Kiên into a tough save early on.

Vietnam then improved and controlled the game for the majority of the match. Tiến Linh and his teammates generated multiple dangerous opportunities. Twice, shots from Tiến Linh and Thanh Nhàn hit the Nepal goalposts.

Vietnam earned 3 points against Nepal in the second leg, but it was a very hard-fought victory. Photo: Tuấn Phạm

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team relied on a somewhat lucky goal in the 5th minute when defender Suman Shrestha clumsily scored an own goal. It was an unfortunate day for this defender, who soon had to leave the field due to injury.

After scoring the opening goal, Vietnam continued to apply pressure with many attacks. The problem was the low efficiency in finishing. In the second half, Nepal’s Coach Matt Ross adjusted tactics by bringing more attackers onto the field.

Vietnam also made personnel changes, bringing on Đức Chiến, Hai Long, Đình Bắc, Gia Hưng, and Văn Khang. However, these players did not make a significant difference. Hai Long even showed a decline in form similar to his performances at Hà Nội FC. Gia Hưng was somewhat impatient, while Đình Bắc lacked scoring luck.

Early in the second half, Vietnam was disadvantaged when key midfielder Hoàng Đức had to leave the pitch. Hoàng Đức seemed to have health issues from continuous play since the season started. Both Hoàng Đức and Bùi Tiến Dũng were injured before the match, but Hoàng Đức still tried hard to play. However, the player from Ninh Bình lasted only one half before being substituted by Đức Chiến.

Coach Kim Sang Sik also had no better option to replace Thành Long. Midfielder CAHN, considered the alternative for injured Quang Hải (who could not join this round), performed only adequately in his defensive role.

Vietnam’s midfield nearly disappeared in the second half, leading to a lack of creativity. Additionally, the opponent played as if they had nothing to lose, causing Vietnam’s defense to become unsettled.

From the 70th minute onwards, the stamina of Coach Kim Sang Sik’s players visibly declined, leaving many spaces for Nepal to exploit. Near the end of the match, Nepal almost equalized if Henjan had been more accurate with his shot.

Although unable to increase the lead, Vietnam successfully preserved the 1-0 scoreline. This important victory helps Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team continue to hope for progress in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. After the match, Coach Kim Sang Sik shook his head, showing dissatisfaction with his team.

This is normal as everyone recognizes that Vietnam’s playing style still needs many improvements, especially in converting chances and maintaining fitness for the full 90 minutes. Currently, Malaysia leads Group F with 4 wins, while Vietnam ranks second with 9 points, 3 points behind Malaysia.

Comment (0)