Coach Polking disappointed as CAHN 'loses possession 8 times in 15 minutes'

Coach Mano Polking attributed Cong An Ha Noi's lack of focus at the start of the second half to their 0-1 defeat against Kashima Antlers in the second qualifying round of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027.

Cong An Ha Noi (CAHN) suffered a 0-1 defeat against Japanese powerhouse Kashima Antlers in the second qualifying round of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027. The loss, at Hang Day Stadium in Ha Noi, left coach Mano Polking deeply disappointed, as he attributed the team's downfall to a critical lack of focus early in the second half. Kashima Antlers, a formidable opponent, boasts a rich history, including an AFC Champions League title in 2018 and nine Japanese championships. They had previously secured a 7-1 victory over Australia's Newcastle Jets in their opening ACL Elite match and recently defeated Gamba Osaka 2-0 in J-League 1. Gamba Osaka was the team that beat CAHN 4-1 in CAHN's opening ACL Elite fixture.

Despite being considered the underdog, CAHN delivered a competitive performance against the Japanese club. Polking's squad maintained equal ball possession and registered 17 shots on goal, surpassing Kashima's 10. However, a lapse in concentration and composure during the initial 15 minutes of the second half led to sustained pressure from the visitors, culminating in the decisive goal in the 61st minute. Substitute Gaku Shibasaki initiated a one-two play with Leo Ceara, delivering a cross that unfortunately resulted in an own goal by CAHN defender Nguyen Adou Leygley Minh.

Coach Mano Polking gives instructions during the 0-1 loss to Kashima Antlers in the second match of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027 East Zone qualifying round, at Hang Day Stadium, Ha Noi on 13/10/2026. *Photo: AFC*.

"I am very regretful and disappointed," Coach Polking stated. "We wanted to earn points, but our efforts were not rewarded. We made too many misplaced passes, losing possession 8 times in the first 15 minutes of the second half. In the first half, the opponent pressed, but we managed to bring the ball forward. The players regained control late in the second half, but it was not enough."

Similar to their previous loss against Gamba Osaka, CAHN demonstrated periods of control and created scoring opportunities. Notable attempts included Nguyen Dinh Bac's shot inside the penalty area, which was blocked, and Leo Artur's long-range effort, saved by goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa. However, CAHN's defense struggled under increased pressure and speed from the opponent.

Polking acknowledged that his team lost intensity, focus, and composure. While the match against Gamba Osaka felt like an uphill battle, the encounter with Kashima Antlers left CAHN feeling closer to securing at least a draw. The Brazilian coach also referenced an incident in the first half where Matheus Bueno avoided a red card after a head-to-head clash with Stefan Mauk, though the team's primary focus remained on the overall performance.

Despite the setbacks, Polking remains optimistic about CAHN's potential. "CAHN has enough quality and will soon earn points in the AFC Champions League Elite," Polking declared. "It is not easy to win, but I believe the team will achieve it. We will re-evaluate ourselves and look towards the next match, starting with Ha Noi FC in the V-League."

Stefan Mauk clashes with Matheus Bueno of Kashima Antlers in the second match of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027 East Zone qualifying round. *Photo: AFC*.

On the opposing side, Kashima Antlers coach Toru Oniki admitted that the victory was hard-fought. His team anticipated a challenging match, recognizing the demanding nature of the ACL Elite. Despite their attacking intentions, the Japanese side found themselves needing to defend against CAHN's resilient play. Oniki also noted that external factors, such as the hot weather and the substandard pitch quality, added to Kashima Antlers' difficulties. "CAHN pressed effectively. But we controlled the situation and exploited the gaps in their defense," Coach Oniki said. "CAHN has quality. They will soon earn points and victories in the AFC Champions League Elite. Any team will face difficulties when playing away at Hang Day Stadium."

The narrow victory allows Kashima Antlers to maintain their lead in the East Zone qualifying round of the ACL Elite 2026-2027. They share 6 points with Gamba Osaka and Beijing Guoan, but hold a superior goal difference. Conversely, CAHN is one of four teams yet to secure any points after two matches, alongside Ratchaburi (Thailand), Pohang Steelers (South Korea), and Newcastle Jets (Australia).

Matchday three is scheduled for 27/10 and 28/10. Kashima Antlers will host Pohang Steelers at home, while CAHN will travel to face Chinese club Shanghai Port.