The Group F encounter, kicking off at 7:15 p.m., marks the Vietnamese club’s return to continental competition after reaching the Round of 16 last season.
Nam Dinh are drawn with Japan’s Gamba Osaka, Ratchaburi, and Eastern of Hong Kong.
Unlike the domestic V-League, AFC rules allow clubs to field an entire lineup of foreign players. Coach Vũ Hồng Việt has assembled a squad featuring 11 international recruits, including Brazil’s former U20 goalkeeper Caique and Dutch defender Mitchell Dijks, a graduate of Ajax Amsterdam who has played for Norwich City and Bologna.
Other additions include Marlos Brenner, Romulo da Silva, Lucas Alves, Caio Cesar, Percy Tau, Kyle Hudlin, Mahmoud Eid, Njabulo Blom, and Kevin Phạm Ba. Several players, such as Tau and Hudlin, are registered specifically for the AFC Cup stage.
Nam Dinh has sought to avoid the mistakes of last season, when late signings and limited cohesion led to an early exit against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Five new imports joined at the start of this campaign, and an all-foreign lineup recently defeated Vietnam’s national team 4-0 in a friendly, underlining improved chemistry.
Ratchaburi, who finished fourth in the Thai League, will provide the first challenge for Nam Dinh’s continental ambitions.
A victory in their opener would boost hopes of securing a top-two finish in the group and advancing to the knockout rounds.
(Source: TNO)