CAHN Football Club, the reigning champions of the V-League, began their 2024-2025 season with high hopes, fueled by significant player acquisitions and the momentum of their past success. Under the guidance of coach Mano Polking, the team secured key players like Quang Hai and established strong attacking partnerships, particularly the duo of Leo and Alan, who collectively netted 25 goals last season for their former team.
Despite garnering attention during the transfer window by strengthening their squad with international talents and national players like Dinh Bac, the season has not unfolded as smoothly as anticipated. After the first round of matches, CAHN found themselves languishing mid-table, finishing seventh with mixed results.
Early optimism was palpable within the club after their triumph against the Thai football giant Buriram United during the Southeast Asian Club Championship, making it seem as though the team could carry this winning form through to the domestic league. Yet, as the season continued, inconsistencies became apparent. Although CAHN's offense demonstrated effectiveness, scoring 19 goals and ranking among the top teams, defensive frailties saw them concede goals far too easily.
Defensive lapses against lower-ranked teams, like Quang Nam, Ho Chi Minh City, and SLNA, raised alarms. The analytics showed CAHN had trouble maintaining clean sheets, indicating shortcomings within their defensive line. Contrast this with their attacking front: Leo and Alan shone brightly, both scoring seven goals. Leo also led the league with five assists, highlighting the potential within the squad.
Critics have speculated about the tactical challenges CAHN faces. Vu Quang Huy, a noted football analyst, commented, "CAHN Club has performance at moderate level. Their front line is effective scoring 19 goals, but the defense is unstable." This encapsulated the sentiment among fans and commentators alike, as they watched their team underperform relative to their expectations.
Polking's struggle to blend a beautiful playing style with practical on-pitch results has come under scrutiny. The coach's insistence on maintaining possession has met with indifferent results—games played with high ball control have translated poorly onto the scoreboard. A recent defeat against HAGL, where the club had 30 shots but failed to score, exemplified these tactical inconsistencies.
For Quang Hai, often viewed as the linchpin of the team, the season has unfurled with difficulties. Despite his talents becoming evident, his fluctuated positioning has precluded him from providing the needed inspiration consistently, affecting team dynamics. Observers noted, "Quang Hai needs clearer involvement to motivate the CAHN Club." Recalibrations are required not only from the players but from the coaching staff to realign the ethos of the squad with their ambitious goals.
Looking forward, the importance of the upcoming match on February 23 against Viettel The Cong Club looms large. Following four consecutive winless matches, this fixture presents the perfect opportunity for redemption. Polling opinions, analysts contend, "CAHN Club needs to find balance and clear direction to achieve stability"—another step toward reclaiming their spot at the top of the league.
Fans await the outcome with bated breath, hopeful for signs of resurgence as their team aims to break the stalemate of underperforming games and solidify their place among the V-League elite. If they can secure victory, it will certainly boost morale and create momentum for the second half of the season. Alternatively, continued struggles may result in increased scrutiny and pressure on Polking and his players.
Overall, the 2024-2025 season remains pivotal for CAHN Football Club. The squad must navigate through its inconsistencies, maintaining focus, and refining strategies, all of which will dictate their ambitions not only domestically but on regional platforms as well.