Despite consecutive losses, Nam Định still has an easy path to advance in the AFC Cup 2 for one reason.

Even with Ratchaburi’s recent big wins in the AFC Cup 2, the probability remains high that Nam Định will move forward.

On the evening of November 5th at Thiên Trường Stadium, Nam Định club hosted the Japanese team Gamba Osaka in the fourth round of Group F in the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two. Despite playing with great determination and receiving enthusiastic support from home fans, coach André Lima’s team lost 0-1.

This defeat caused Nam Định to be caught up by Ratchaburi in points, both having 6 points. The Thai side even leads on goal difference with +7 compared to Nam Định’s 0. In their last two AFC Cup 2 matches, Ratchaburi showed impressive form by beating Eastern AA (Hong Kong) 5-1 and most recently 7-0.

However, despite such large wins and a superior goal difference, Ratchaburi remains below Nam Định for one reason. In AFC Cup 2, head-to-head results are prioritized first. Nam Định holds a significant advantage after defeating Ratchaburi 3-1 in the first leg at home.

On November 27th, Nam Định will visit Ratchaburi for the second leg. As long as they avoid defeat against the Thai team, Nam Định will have a very good chance to advance since their last match is against the weakest team in the group, Eastern AA (who have lost all 4 matches and are already eliminated), while Ratchaburi still must travel to face Gamba Osaka.

Nam Định can even afford to lose to Ratchaburi by less than two goals and still qualify. If Nam Định wins against Eastern AA in the final round and Ratchaburi loses to Gamba Osaka by any score, both teams will have 9 points. However, Nam Định will still be ahead due to the better head-to-head record.

Overall, Nam Định’s chances to advance are very high. However, to be certain, they need at least a point against Ratchaburi in the fifth round before aiming for a win over Eastern AA in the final match. In the AFC Champions League Two group stage, the top two teams qualify for the next round. Currently, Gamba Osaka has already secured qualification with 4 wins out of 4 matches.