AFC Champions League 2008: Both Nam Dinh and Binh Duong lose in opening matches

Vietnam’s Nam Dinh and Binh Duong playing in the qualifying round of the Asian Champions League 2008 (AFC Champions League 2008), finished their first matches without wins on March 12. 

Nam Dinh players celebrated their opener

The hosts Nam Dinh had to play away from home at Hanoi-based My Dinh stadium as required by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Nam Dinh started the game in high spirits although they faced strong rivals Beijing Guoan, the defending champions of China Super League.

Le Van Duyet gave the home side the lead with a stunning volley in the 14th minute, with Nam Dinh remaining uptempo kept their pace until the half-time break.

Nam Dinh failed to maintain their lead in the second half as Beijing Guoan increased attacks. 

The Chinese equalised in the 57th minute and the match swung in favour of the guests as they scored their second and third goals at the 60th and 91st minutes. The 3-1 defeat offers little hope for Nam Dinh to progress. 

Meanwhile, Binh Duong played as guests of Changchun Yatai at Changchun City Stadium inChina.

Du Zhenyu put the home side ahead with a well-executed free kick after just four minutes. The early setback forced Binh Duong to strengthen their defence to withstand the hosts’ increasing pressure.

Anh Duc missed the chance to level the score in the 14th minute, when his header hit the post. In the 53rd minute, he took the ball away from defender Wang Wanpeng of Changchunbefore sliding it into the net, raising Binh Duong’s spirits.

The home side pressed forward and were rewarded in the 70th minute. Binh Duong failed to clear a free kick and went down evermally.

The opening matches ended without victory for both Vietnamese teams. The results were beyond any doubt, however they showed notable efforts in competing with strong rivals despite their difficulties at the V-League.

Nam Dinh will play against the hosts Kashima Antlers in Japan while Binh Duong will receive Pohang Steelers from the Republic of Korea at their home ground in the next matches.

As many as 28 clubs throughout Asia are divided into seven groups to compete in the qualifying round in a home-and-away format in order to qualify for the group stage starting on March 12.