CAHN vs Cebu: Seeking Their First Victory (7:30 PM, September 24, Live on FPT Play Southeast Asia Champions Cup)

24/09/2025 06:53:00 VictoryVox

Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) must demonstrate that their 1-2 reversed defeat to BG Pathum United in the first regional match of this year was merely an accident by earning three points against the visiting Philippine team. Coach Alexandre Polking’s squad has shown remarkable stability, and now is the moment for CAHN to prove the mettle of the defending runners-up.

Both the Vietnamese representative and Cebu suffered losses on the opening day of Group A. While CAHN’s defeat to the home team BG Pathum United was agonizing, the Philippine club was soundly defeated by Singapore’s Tampines Rovers on their home ground. Cebu had to compete in qualifiers and beat Brunei’s representative to participate in the ASEAN Club Championship group stage as they do now.

This partly reflects the technical ability of the team led by coach Glenn Ramos. Cebu’s squad features foreign players from Brazil, Japan, Senegal, and Tunisian goalkeeper Rami Jeridi. In their recent loss to Tampines Rovers, Abou Sy scored for the Philippine club.

However, there is not much to discuss regarding the opponent who is considered significantly weaker than CAHN in tonight’s match. Since the season began, the police team has maintained consistent form, remaining unbeaten from the National Super Cup to the V-League. The playing style under coach Alexandre Polking has become increasingly polished, based on high pressing and fast wing combinations. Young players like Đình Bắc and Văn Đô, combined with quality foreign players Vitao and Alan, have created a fresh appearance.

Leo Artur remains CAHN’s main attacking hope, especially in Quang Hải’s absence. Photo: Hoàng Linh

The issue for CAHN is still lacking the composure to finish off opponents on the international stage. The comeback loss to BG Pathum United and the draw against Beijing Guoan in the recent AFC Champions League Two revealed that CAHN wasted opportunities and lost points regrettably. The defense also showed significant mistakes, with goalkeeper Nguyễn Filip at fault.

More than anyone, coach Polking fully understands that these costly experiences force him to remind his players if they want to avoid their chances of advancing being cut short. Compared to Pathum and Beijing, Cebu is rated lower.

Perhaps because of this, the former Thailand national team coach decided not to use the key trio Quang Hải, Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh, and Adou Minh for tonight’s match. This will practically have little effect as CAHN’s squad is deep, and the home team at Hàng Đẫy Stadium may only need to focus for one half to secure three points.

CAHN is looking further ahead to the match against Nam Định on September 28. Coach Polking seems to anticipate this more, given the reigning V-League champions are losing form and declining. CAHN needs Quang Hải, Việt Anh, and Adou Minh at full fitness to prepare for the V-League match against Nam Định.

Returning to the game against Cebu, coach Polking still has Đình Bắc, Leo Artur, Alan Grafite, Văn Đức, and Văn Đô to score against the visitors. CAHN’s potent weapon now is the understanding between Alan and Artur. Just one through pass breaking the offside trap could lead to a goal for either Alan or Artur. The Brazilian striker duo’s coordination remains very difficult to predict so far.

CAHN must take advantage of their home ground to secure their first three points and keep their hopes alive of advancing in Group A. In this group, BG Pathum United is a strong rival, and Tampines Rovers are also formidable. That is why CAHN must concentrate on winning all three points against weaker teams like Cebu to continue moving forward.

Expected Lineups

CAHN: Nguyễn Filip; Hugo Gomes, Xuân Thịnh, Adou Minh, Lê Văn Đô; Mauk, Thành Long, Phan Văn Đức; Đình Bắc, Leo Artur, Vitao.

Cebu FC: Rami Jeridi, A. Santos, Diouf, Silva, K. Tanaka, Ramos, Orellana, Morishita, Diallo, Da Silva, Kouame.

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