* Goals: Caio 35’, Brenner 52’ 57’ – Tana 60’

Nam Dinh's opponent, Ratchaburi FC, is the current runner-up in Thai League 1. This season, Ratchaburi has already secured three wins and a draw, placing them second in Thailand's top league. In addition to the seven foreign players they brought to Vietnam, the Thai representatives included several Thai national team players like goalkeeper Kampon, center-back Jonathan Khemdee, and midfielder Thanawat.

Starting with the 2024-2025 season, Asian club cups allow teams to field an unlimited number of foreign players. Nam Dinh has taken full advantage of this rule, consistently recruiting international talent. Against Ratchaburi, Nam Dinh registered all 12 of their foreign players, with 10 in the starting lineup. Ly Cong Hoang Anh was the sole domestic player.

Ly Cong Hoang Anh (bottom row, third from right) was the only domestic player in Nam Dinh's starting lineup in their 3-1 victory against Thai club Ratchaburi FC in the Group F opening match of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Two at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh, on 17/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh

Ly Cong Hoang Anh (bottom row, third from right) was the only domestic player in Nam Dinh's starting lineup in their 3-1 victory against Thai club Ratchaburi FC in the Group F opening match of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Two at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh, on 17/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh

This same lineup of Nam Dinh foreign players previously played a practice match against the Vietnamese national team during the FIFA international break in early September, winning decisively 4-0. However, their match against Ratchaburi in front of over 15,000 spectators at Thien Truong Stadium marked their first official game together.

New signings, South African forward Percy Tau and left-back Mitchell Dijks, both performed well. The home side didn't dominate possession and lacked cohesion in the first 15 minutes. However, the individual technical skills and physical strength of the players made the difference.

In the 35th minute, Mahmoud Eid beat the offside trap on the right wing before sending a left-footed cross to the far post. Caio Cesar connected with a left-footed volley, sending the ball bouncing into the net.

Nam Dinh midfielder Caio Cesar (white jersey) scored the opening goal in the 35th minute in their 3-1 victory against Ratchaburi FC in the Group F opening match of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Two at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh, on 17/9/2025.

Nam Dinh also benefited from the skillful dribbling and speed of Percy Tau, a former Brighton player in the English Premier League. The South African forward created several chances for his teammates, taking four shots before providing an assist in the 52nd minute. From the right wing, Kevin Pham Ba threw the ball in, and Tau controlled it with his thigh before chipping it to Brenner, who volleyed with his right foot into the net.

In the 57th minute, Dutch defender Mitchell Dijks crossed from the left to the near post, where Brenner headed the ball into the ground for his second goal. He and his teammates celebrated with a dance by the corner flag, followed by Brenner's signature archery celebration.

With a comfortable lead, Nam Dinh's foreign players showcased their skills, notably Dijks' rabona pass in midfield. The team then maintained a solid defensive structure to secure the result.

The Thai representatives also created some difficulties for the home side. In the first half, Ratchaburi had two chances to open the scoring. In the 27th minute, Jakkaphan played a one-two to enter the penalty area, but his chip over the goalkeeper, Caique, went wide of the goal. Two minutes later, Tana crossed from the right into the box, but Denilson missed the header.

Former South Africa international Percy Tau (white jersey) contributed an assist for Nam Dinh in their 3-1 victory against Ratchaburi FC in the Group F opening match of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Two at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh, on 17/9/2025.

Trailing by three goals, Ratchaburi finally found the net in the 60th minute after a series of passes around the penalty area. Denilson's poor control in the box was quickly recovered as he stretched to pass to Tana, who fired a powerful shot. Caique, caught off guard, parried the ball into his own net. Even if the shot hadn't gone in, Ratchaburi likely would have been awarded a penalty as center-back Lucas Alves, arriving late, kicked Denilson's leg.

In the final 25 minutes, Nam Dinh focused on counter-attacks. In the 85th minute, Eid headed the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The team also brought on their remaining two foreign players, Kyle Hudlin and Kristoffer Normann. Meanwhile, Ratchaburi's coordination deteriorated as their players tired, ultimately accepting the 1-3 defeat.

In an earlier Group F match, Japan's Gamba Osaka also defeated Eastern FC of Hong Kong 3-1. The second round of matches will take place on 2/10, with Nam Dinh visiting Eastern, while Ratchaburi will host Gamba Osaka.

The 2025-2026 ACL Two features 32 teams divided into eight groups, with four groups in West Asia and four in East Asia. Teams play each other twice, home and away, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the round of 16.

Starting Lineups:

Nam Dinh: Caique Santos, Lucas Alves, Walber, Mitchell Dijks, Kevin Pham Ba, Caio Cesar, Romulo, Ly Cong Hoang Anh, Percy Tau, Mahmoud Eid, Brenner

Ratchaburi FC: Kampon, Gabriel Kupa, Jonathan Khemdee, Jeremy Corinus, Tana, Thanawat, Jakkaphan, Jesse Curran, Kritsananon, Denilson, Negueba.

Hieu Luong