Coach Polking reveals Nguyễn Filip's injury

23/10/2025 22:58:00 TrophyTracker

Due to the recurrence of his groin injury, Vietnamese-German goalkeeper Nguyễn Filip had to leave the field at the 72nd minute during the 1-1 draw between CAHN and Macarthur FC in the third round of Group E in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26, held on the evening of October 23 at Hàng Đẫy Stadium.

In the post-match press conference, Coach Alexandre Polking clearly explained his player's condition:

"I had to substitute Filip because of a problem with his leg. Two days before the match, Filip was still experiencing pain. I spoke to him about the significance of this game and tried to persuade him to play, but the more he played, the more pain he felt. By the 72nd minute, Filip felt he no longer had the confidence to continue, so I decided to take him off."

The only goal that CAHN conceded in the 1-1 draw with Macarthur came after Nguyễn Filip had to leave the pitch. Photo: Hoàng Linh

Regarding the 1-1 draw, the Brazilian head coach showed clear disappointment:

"This was an important match and we really needed to win. However, the team missed the chance to get closer to the knockout stage. I know Macarthur FC is very dangerous on set pieces, but we did not manage them well."

When the match was progressing with a 1-0 lead for CAHN, the visiting team found an equalizer. From a corner kick on the right wing, defender Uskok jumped high to head the ball, which hit the underside of the crossbar and then flew into the net, leaving the home defense helpless.

Young goalkeeper Vũ Thành Vinh, who had just replaced Nguyễn Filip, was unable to react in time, and his teammates could only stare blankly as the ball settled in the goal. This goal happened in the 77th minute, exactly five minutes after Coach Polking had to substitute Filip. At that time, many believed CAHN could hold onto the 1-0 scoreline, but a small defensive error caused the team to lose the win.

After the match, CAHN maintains an unbeaten streak with 1 win and 2 draws, leading Group E with 5 points. The two chasing teams, Tai Po (Hong Kong) and Macarthur FC (Australia), both have 4 points, while Beijing Guoan (China) ranks last with 2 points.

The fourth round of Group E will take place on November 6. CAHN will travel to Australia to face Macarthur FC again, while Beijing Guoan will host Tai Po at home.

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