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AFC Cup
The Vietnamese side came from a goal down to defeat Hougang FC 5-2 in a winner-takes-all clash Group I clash on Thursday and their resolve has convinced assistant coach Dang Thanh Phuong they can lift the coveted trophy, with Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur City FC up next for them in the ASEAN Zonal Semi-finals.
#AFCCup2022 - Group I | Viettel FC (VIE) 5 - 2 Hougang United (SGP)
"We are proud to represent Vietnam and to win all three matches is very satisfying," said Dang.
"The support we have received is tremendous and I would like to thank the fans. We are happy that we lived up to expectations."
Qualification, said Dang, was secured the Viettel way.
"Throughout the tournament, we provided many opportunities for young players to start. Viettel train players from a young age, so it is natural to give opportunities to them.
"Young players make up 80-90% of the squad and they performed well. Hopefully, these players will develop further."
There was only disappointment in the end for Singapore's Hougang, who missed out on a knockout stage spot after KL City pipped them to the best runners-up berth into the ASEAN Zonal Semi-finals.
"Viettel are very strong, but in this match, luck was not on our side. The whole team tried, worked hard but the result was not achieved," said head coach Clement Teo.
"But in terms of the mentality of the players, I am satisfied. That's the important thing. We knew we were the weaker team. At one point, we took the lead and then equalised for 2-2. It was the effort of the players."
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