Bac Dinh does not celebrate Tet in Vietnam

Hanoi Police FC is entering a crucial phase of the season as they must compete in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Two (Asian C2) during the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Horse 2026.

In this continental tournament, Vietnam has two representatives: Thep Xanh Nam Dinh and Hanoi Police. After the group stage, only Hanoi Police advanced by finishing second in Group E, securing a spot in the knockout rounds. Their opponent is Tampines Rovers from Singapore, the top team in Group H.

Considering the strength and current form, Hanoi Police holds a significant advantage. Just a few days ago, the red-shirted team defeated Tampines Rovers with a commanding 6-1 scoreline in the Southeast Asian C1 competition. Therefore, fans expect Dinh Bac and his teammates to continue demonstrating their power to advance deep into the Asian C2 tournament.

According to the tournament regulations, from the knockout stage onward, matches are played home and away. Hanoi Police will host Tampines Rovers at Hang Day on February 11, then travel to Singapore for the second leg on February 18, which corresponds to the second day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse.

This means Dinh Bac and the entire team must celebrate the New Year abroad. Although unable to reunite with their families during the traditional Tet holiday, the young Vietnamese striker shows professionalism and strong determination. The coaching staff also recognizes this as a pivotal moment to make a historic impact for Vietnamese football on the continental stage.

While many players rest and return home for Tet, Dinh Bac's obligation to play away is even more remarkable. However, this also presents an opportunity for him to further prove his status, gain international experience, and contribute to the team's overall success.

Notably, Hanoi Police is the only V-League team required to compete during the Year of the Horse Tet. Meanwhile, Da Nang FC gets the earliest Tet break after their Round 13 match against Hanoi Police was postponed to March 22, allowing coach Le Duc Tuan’s team a longer holiday. Other V-League teams will officially begin their Tet break after Round 13 ends on the evening of February 9.