U23 Vietnam defender feels joyful being chosen as a starter by the Brazilian coach

Ly Duc was recently named in the starting lineup during CAHN's 6-1 victory over Tampines Rovers.

In the context of Hanoi Police FC no longer had a chance to advance in the ASEAN Shopee Cup,the final match, though only a formality, became an opportunity for the coaching staff to experiment with the squad. Reserve players and youngsters were given a chance to showcase their talent, including defender Pham Ly Duc — a name that had to wait quite a while before starting a match from the beginning.

“It’s been a long time since Coach Polking gave me a chance. Today, the whole team fought brilliantly, and I feel incredibly happy to be on the field to demonstrate my abilities.”

The trust from Mano Polking was quickly rewarded by Ly Duc’s energetic performance. Against Tampines Rovers FC, the young defender played the entire 90 minutes, balancing attack and defense smoothly, helping the police team completely dominate the game. The emphatic 6-1 win was not only a beautiful farewell to the tournament but also a memorable personal milestone for the 2003-born player.

Despite having to spend time on the bench, Ly Duc showed admirable professionalism by maintaining his fitness and ball control. He said that regularly playing in youth levels such as the U23 Asian Championship and SEA Games helped him quickly adapt to the high intensity at CAHN club, enabling him to perform well when Coach Polking called on him.

As a young player, Pham Ly Duc understands that the road ahead won’t be easy. CAHN already has a squad full of national team players and many quality foreign recruits, making competition for spots fierce. However, instead of feeling pressured, he views this as an ideal environment for growth. “Competing within CAHN’s squad is obviously tough, but for me, it’s a positive competition. It’s an opportunity to learn from experienced seniors.”

That ambitious spirit was further emphasized by Ly Duc when discussing his long-term goals. “Being part of the starting eleven is very difficult; it’s a big challenge for me. But the harder the challenge, the more excited I am.” This fearless attitude has earned him much goodwill from both the coaching staff and fans.

With the recent brilliant victory, CAHN closed their Shopee Cup journey on an emotional high. Yet, challenges remain ahead as the capital club aims for a rematch against Tampines in the AFC Champions League Two. And if he continues to maintain his current form and confidence, Ly Duc can definitely turn these small chances today into a significant stepping stone for his future.