Despite trying hard, Nam Dinh Blue Steel still lost to the Japanese team at the C2 Asian Cup.

On the evening of October 22, Nam Dinh Blue Steel Club lost 1-3 on Gamba Osaka's field in the third match of Group F of the 2025-2026 Asian Cup C2, thereby keeping second place in the group with 6 points after three matches.

Gamba Osaka completely dominated Nam Dinh (white shirt). Photo: Quang Duong

Nam Dinh Steel Club had a trip to visit Gamba Osaka's field, within the framework of the 3rd match of Group F of the 2025-2026 Asian Cup C2. Despite great efforts, the V.League representative still could not create a surprise against the strong Japanese opponent and accepted defeat.

Immediately after the opening whistle, Gamba Osaka quickly pushed up their formation and created great pressure. In the 17th minute, the home team made their advantage concrete with the opening goal from Rin Mito, after a favorable cross from the right wing. Nam Dinh then tried to tighten their formation but could not create a breakthrough. They were almost completely outclassed in the first half and temporarily trailed 0-1 when the referee blew the whistle to end the first 45 minutes.

The V.League representative played awkwardly, easily allowing the opponent to score 3 goals. Photo: Quang Duong

In the second half, Gamba Osaka continued to control the game. In the 52nd minute, Issam Jebali easily tapped the ball into the goal, doubling the gap for the home team. Meanwhile, Nam Dinh's defense played awkwardly and could not keep up with the opposing strikers. In the 89th minute, Gamba Osaka scored the third goal after the ball bounced off the away team's defender and went straight into the net.

Nam Dinh was lucky to have an honorary goal in the last minute of the match. Photo: Quang Duong

Nam Dinh only had time to score an honorary goal in the 93rd minute thanks to the technical handling and precise cross-angle shot of striker Kyle Hudlin. However, this goal was not enough to help coach Vu Hong Viet and his team avoid defeat.

At the end of the match, Gamba Osaka won 3-1, thereby consolidating the top position in Group F with 9 absolute points after 3 matches. Nam Dinh is still in second place with 6 points, one win behind their opponent and will need to improve a lot if they want to keep their hope of continuing in the C2 Asian Cup this season.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/thi-dau-no-luc-thep-xanh-nam-dinh-van-de-thua-doi-bong-nhat-ban-tai-cup-c2-chau-a-720580.html