Nam Dinh FC officially makes history in Southeast Asia

03/10/2025 12:09:00 ceshi

Nam Dinh has established a historic landmark for Southeast Asian football as the first club to start 11 foreign players in an Asian tournament and achieve a decisive win.

Nam Dinh FC marked a special milestone in Southeast Asian football history by fielding a starting lineup of 11 foreign players in their match against Eastern AA (Hong Kong) in the AFC Champions League Two. Not only did this bold decision attract attention, but the Nam team also proved their strength by winning 1-0, extending their winning streak in the continental competition.

The sole goal of the match was scored by Kristoffer Hansen in the 54th minute, securing all 3 points for Nam Dinh on foreign soil. This was also the second consecutive victory for coach Vu Hong Viet’s squad after they defeated Ratchaburi (Thailand) 3-1 in the opening match at Thien Truong Stadium.

559358949_122261686112063064_586 — Nam Dinh used a lineup of 11 foreign players in the match against Eastern AA (Photo: Seasia Goal)

Remarkably, by starting with an all-foreign player lineup, Nam Dinh became the first club in Southeast Asia to achieve this in an Asian competition. Even traditionally strong clubs frequently participating in international tournaments like Buriram United (Thailand) or Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysia) have never reached such a feat.

The decision to use a full foreign player starting lineup demonstrates Nam Dinh’s bold strategy to combine international resources to boost their competitive level. The on-field performance showed this approach was effective as the team displayed solid, cohesive, and resilient play against a tough opponent.

558463359_17867832069452504_5818 — Nam Dinh is also the first team in Southeast Asia to accomplish this (Photo: Club)

With a perfect 6 points from two matches, Nam Dinh firmly holds the top spot in the group. This result not only opens the door for advancement but also significantly enhances the image of Vietnamese football on the continental stage.

If they maintain their current form and fighting spirit, Nam Dinh can create a new fairy tale in the AFC Champions League Two. The image of a Vietnamese club fielding 11 foreign players and winning will surely be remembered as an unforgettable milestone in regional football history.