Vietnamese football is gearing up for exciting moments as teams prepare for their upcoming battles. One key matchup is set for January 9, 2024, as CAHN takes on Kaya FC-Iloilo in the Shopee Cup. While CAHN's performance has been somewhat shaky this season, recent successes have reignited hope among fans and players alike.
Currently, CAHN is sitting at 14 points after 9 matches in the VLeague, which has raised some eyebrows. Despite the rocky start, head coach Alexandre Polking's team achieved a commanding 3-0 victory over Bình Định, boosting the squad's morale as they pause for Vietnam's national team to focus on the upcoming AFF Cup.
On the other hand, their opponents Kaya FC-Iloilo—an unbeaten team with 16 points from 6 matches in the Philippine league—are struggling to make their mark on the Southeast Asian stage. After two matches at the Southeast Asian Cup, Kaya has yet to score, conceding 8 goals without finding the net. This presents CAHN with a potentially advantageous situation, especially considering their perfect record at the Shopee Cup so far.
CAHN has shown impressive form, including remarkable victories over strong teams like Buriram United and securing a stunning 5-0 win against Lion City Sailors at home. With these performances, CAHN should possess enough confidence to tackle their Filipino rivals, Kaya FC, when they meet.
Analysts forecast CAHN’s match against Kaya FC could result favorably, leaning on their current form and Kaya’s recent struggles. A victory against the Philippine side is anticipated to instill even more confidence within the CAHN squad as they strategize for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. The projected score for this encounter is Kaya FC-Iloilo 0-2 CAHN.
Meanwhile, attention is also drawn to the return of Pierre Lamothe, the Vietnamese-Canadian footballer, to Vietnam's VLeague. Born on September 18, 1997, Lamothe spent his early years soaking up both Canadian and Vietnamese heritage, with his mother hailing from Huế. Standing at 1.75 meters, he primarily plays as a central midfielder, recognized for his speed and technical skills.
Lamothe's footballing roots can be traced back to Carabin Montreal's academy, where foundational skills were cultivated before he transitioned to various professional clubs within Canada. At the start of 2023, he returned to Vietnam, hoping to impress Da Nang FC. Unfortunately, his performances didn’t meet expectations, prompting him to return to Canada and join Pacific FC.
Despite facing setbacks, Lamothe received another opportunity mid-2023 when he participated with Ho Chi Minh City FC. Regrettably, due to the team having sufficient foreign players, he wasn’t registered to play right away. Displays of ingenuity, nonetheless, led him to Quảng Nam FC, where he flourished, being spotlighted as significant to the team's success during the first half of the 2023/24 season.
After 13 rounds of VLeague matches, Lamothe had to bid farewell to Quảng Nam to return to his original club, Pacific, for duty. With his contract expiring at the end of the 2024 season, he is now on the lookout for new opportunities. Speculations are afloat about his next career moves, and reports suggest he might be making another jump back to Vietnam – this time anticipated to don the colors of Hà Nội FC.
Overall, Lamothe remains eligible to represent Vietnam, as he has yet to hold Canadian nationality or appear for the national team. With the right circumstances aligning, fans may soon see him step onto the field wearing Vietnam's national colors, should he get called up.
These stories depict vibrant updates from the Vietnamese football scene, illustrating not only the thrill of competitive matches on the horizon but also the unique narratives woven through the careers of players like Lamothe. The convergence of domestic competition and international talent adds intrigue, inviting fans to follow along closely as the season develops.