CĂ´ng An HĂ Náťi FC and Vietnam midfielder Nguyáť n Quang Hải is targeting maximum points in his sideâs remaining Group A matches in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup⢠as last seasonâs runners-up attempt to secure a berth in the knockout rounds.
The V.League 1 title challengers are currently fourth in the Shopee Cup⢠standings on four points from their opening three matches, with games against second-placed Selangor FC (away) and current Group A leaders Tampines Rovers FC (home) to be played by Mano PĂślkingâs side.
âAfter the first three matches, both personally and as a team, we have been giving our maximum effort in every game,â the 28-year-old playmaker says. âHowever, the results so far have not fully met our expectations.
âThe team will review each match carefully, draw the necessary lessons, and focus on the upcoming fixtures, which are very important and decisive in our objective of qualifying for the next round.
âIn my opinion, to qualify for the next round, the only way forward is for the entire team to continue working hard, stay fully focused, and achieve good results in each match. The key is to collect the maximum number of points possible, especially in our home match.â
Quang Hải has been a key component in the CĂ´ng An HĂ Náťi side since joining the club in June 2023 following a short spell with French Ligue 2 outfit Pau FC, making nine appearances and scoring once in his teamâs run to the 2024/25 Shopee Cup⢠final.
He featured in both legs of a thrilling final against Thailandâs Buriram United FC that CĂ´ng An HĂ Náťi lost on penalties to break the hearts of the Vietnamese side and their fans.
CĂ´ng An HĂ Náťi had cruised through the opening phase of the 2024/25 edition, topping their group but PĂślking and his side have found the current competition to be a stiffer challenge.
An opening loss on the road to BG Pathum United FC was followed by a narrow win at home over DH Cebu FC and a 1-1 draw with Buriram United in a re-run of last yearâs final in which Guilherme Bissoli scored a stoppage time penalty to deny the visitors victory.
âLast season, when many opponents were still not fully familiar with CĂ´ng An HĂ Náťi, the situation was different,â says Quang Hải.
âThis year, with other teams preparing more thoroughly, we need to improve and further develop, both in terms of personnel and our tactical approach.
âThe entire team must continue to work harder every day, with the aim of achieving better results this season.
âCompeting in a tournament that brings together the strongest clubs in the region allows the team to gain a great deal of experience. These experiences are extremely valuable lessons that help us continue to improve and better prepare for upcoming matches.
âEspecially this season, with quality reinforcements among the participating clubs, the competition has become even more exciting and highly competitive.â
While Quang Hải is relishing facing the regionâs leading clubs in the Shopee Cupâ˘, he is determined not to miss out on the opportunity to go one step further than last season and claim the title.
âPlaying regularly and facing strong opposition in a competition like the Shopee Cup⢠helps players accumulate many practical lessons,â he says. âThese experiences not only benefit each individual player but also strengthen the cohesion and overall development of the team.
âFor both myself and the team, these are extremely valuable lessons. They will help CĂ´ng An HĂ Náťi continue to improve and grow.
âAnd if we are given another opportunity to compete for the championship, we will certainly not let it slip away and will do our best to aim for the highest position.â
Quang Hải was named Shopee Star of the Match in the first leg of the 2024/25 Shopee Cup⢠final against Buriram United in Hanoi on May 14, 2025.
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