But why couldn't the foreign players save Nam Dinh in the Asian competition?

Even with 8 foreign players on the field, Nam Dinh Club could not overcome the overwhelming power of Gamba Osaka and lost 1-3 in the third round of Group F in the 2025/26 AFC Cup 2.

Although Nam Dinh played with a lineup featuring 8 foreign players, they still could not avoid a 1-3 loss to Gamba Osaka in the third match of Group F in the 2025/26 AFC Cup 2 held on the afternoon of October 22 (Vietnam time). This result once again highlights the significant gap between Vietnamese and Japanese football — where even local players can make a difference.

From the start, Gamba Osaka showed complete dominance. The Japanese team applied high pressing, controlled 67% of possession, and pressured Nam Dinh throughout the entire 90 minutes. The speed, technique, and seamless coordination of their domestic players allowed them to fully control the game, forcing Nam Dinh to retreat defensively without being able to mount any coherent attacks.

Rin Mito's opening goal in the 17th minute was the inevitable result of Gamba Osaka's dominance. In the second half, Issam Jebali — the only foreign player in Gamba Osaka’s starting lineup — doubled the lead with a precise finish inside the box. At the 89th minute, Meshino’s shot deflected off defender Walber, resulting in Nam Dinh conceding their third goal.

It was not until the 3rd minute of stoppage time that English striker Kyle Hudlin scored a consolation goal for Nam Dinh, ending the match 1-3. Nevertheless, this goal holds historic significance as it marks Nam Dinh’s first-ever goal against a Japanese representative in a continental competition.

According to statistics, Gamba Osaka created 7 clear chances, completed over 628 passes with an 89% accuracy rate, while Nam Dinh only managed 76%. The differences in speed, ability to escape pressing, and cohesion in play were obvious. The home team moved dynamically, combined fluidly, and maximized their opponent’s mistakes.

This defeat serves as a warning to coach Vu Hong Viet and his team. Deploying 8 foreign players was still insufficient to close the gap with Asia’s top clubs. Nam Dinh must develop a collective playing style and improve their technical foundation and fitness if they want to advance further internationally. Ahead, the Nam team will have the chance to seek revenge when they host Gamba Osaka at Thien Truong Stadium on November 5.