Coach Polking and Van Hau declare CAHN will beat Lion City Sailors in 2026/27 Southeast Asian Club Cup opener

On October 8, 2026, in Singapore, Hanoi Police FC (CAHN) will begin their 2026/27 Southeast Asian Club Cup Group B campaign against Lion City Sailors. Ahead of kick-off, head coach Polking and defender Doan Van Hau made determined statements, declaring their aim to win and start their regional journey on the right foot. This is not just an ordinary group-stage match, but a statement of ambition from the reigning V.League champions on the Southeast Asian football map. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Coach Polking said CAHN enter the tournament with a dual goal: maintaining their top position in the V.League and elevating their profile internationally. He stressed: “This is an opportunity for CAHN to assert itself. We want to maintain the club's position, continue to successfully defend the V.League championship, and go further in the regional arena. The match against Lion City Sailors is an important first step, and the whole team is ready for three points.” These words show that CAHN's coaching staff do not view the opener as an experimental fixture, but as a match that needs a positive result immediately. Alongside Coach Polking at the press conference, defender Doan Van Hau also expressed confidence. He said: “CAHN really wants to win to start the journey. We respect Lion City Sailors, but we are not afraid. The whole team has prepared carefully in terms of fitness, tactics, and mentality. Our goal is to win, bring joy to the fans, and create momentum for the next matches.” Van Hau, born in 2026, previously played for SC Heerenveen in the Netherlands and is one of the most internationally experienced players in Vietnamese football today. His selection as the pre-match spokesperson highlights his leadership role and influence in the CAHN dressing room. On the Lion City Sailors side, the Singaporean club were equally ambitious. Nur Adam Abdullah, representing the hosts, declared: “Lion City Sailors want to win in every tournament we participate in. CAHN are a strong opponent, the V.League champions, but we play at home, with the support of our fans, and we are determined to take all three points. This match will be very interesting.” Lion City Sailors are known as a wealthy Singaporean club owned by Sea Group, the conglomerate behind major e-commerce and online gaming platforms in the region. With strong financial resources, the club is building ambitions to become a leading force in Southeast Asia. The match context reveals a clash between two different football philosophies. CAHN represent the stability, discipline, and identity of Vietnamese football. Lion City Sailors represent structured investment, a technical playing style, and Singaporean football's international integration experience. Both teams have their own goals, but both understand that the group opener could shape the entire Group B landscape. A win would bring not only three points but also a significant psychological advantage for the road ahead. Tactically, experts suggest CAHN may start with a compact structure, prioritising safety in the opening minutes. Playing away in Singapore, where the weather is hot and humid year-round, requires players to manage their energy wisely. Coach Polking is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 formation, depending on personnel. Doan Van Hau could play as a left-sided centre-back or left-back, handling both defensive and attacking duties. His long passing, aerial ability, and match experience are important weapons for CAHN to break down the opponent. Lion City Sailors are known for a possession-based style, short passing, and intelligent off-the-ball movement. They often press high and use technical players to create space. If CAHN lose the ball too quickly in midfield, their defence will face many dangerous situations. Therefore, the midfielders' ability to retain possession and transition will be key. Set-pieces are also seen as a potential scoring opportunity for the visitors, thanks to the height and physicality of Van Hau and other centre-backs. Another factor is fitness and schedule congestion. CAHN are entering the early season with a dense fixture list. In addition to the Southeast Asian Club Cup, they must compete in the V.League and other domestic competitions. Travelling between Vietnam and Singapore, plus climate change, could affect player condition. Coach Polking will have to calculate rotation carefully to ensure strength for the opener while preserving players for important upcoming matches. Doan Van Hau is the most mentioned name on the CAHN side. He is not only a pillar in defence but also a spiritual symbol of the team. However, Van Hau's injury history is a real concern. In recent years, he has faced several fitness issues that affected his form and consistency. If Van Hau cannot play or is not at his best, CAHN's defensive strength will decline significantly. This is a risk the coaching staff must consider amid the busy schedule. In terms of overall squad, CAHN possess many Vietnamese national team players and quality foreign signings. Their squad is considered deeper than most V.League clubs. However, playing in the regional arena demands higher adaptability, courage, and international experience. Not every player can maintain good form when playing away under pressure from fans and media. This is a real test for CAHN's collective character. Financially, CAHN are closely linked to the Ministry of Public Security, operating under a model backed by state resources. This brings stability and low bankruptcy risk, but also certain limits on commercial aggressiveness. Meanwhile, Lion City Sailors are owned by Sea Group, a large private conglomerate with strong financial power and an international branding orientation. This difference in management models and resources creates an interesting contrast between the two clubs. The Southeast Asian Club Cup offers many values to participating clubs. Beyond prize money, the tournament helps increase brand recognition, attract sponsors, and expand promotional opportunities. For CAHN, participating in the regional competition is a chance to assert Vietnamese football's position and give young players and key stars exposure to quality opponents. A good result against Lion City Sailors would be an important stepping stone for their ambition to go far. In the context of increasingly competitive Southeast Asian football, Vietnamese clubs can no longer easily dominate regional opponents. Thai League still leads in finance and expertise, while Malaysia and Singapore are rising strongly. CAHN, as reigning V.League champions, are expected to represent Vietnamese football worthily. However, the pressure that comes with such expectations is significant. Every regional match is closely watched by domestic fans and media. Regarding organisation and regulations, the tournament is run by the ASEAN Football Federation in coordination with regional governing bodies. Clubs must comply with player registration rules, foreign player quotas, and stadium standards. CAHN have completed registration procedures and are eligible for the opener. This is an important factor in ensuring the match goes ahead as planned. Although no violations have been mentioned, the coaching staff still need to note the tournament's specific regulations, especially player registration and card management. In the dressing room, CAHN's atmosphere is described as positive and united. The consistent messaging between Coach Polking and defender Doan Van Hau shows the team is well prepared mentally. Van Hau, in a leadership role, is seen as a bridge between the coaching staff and his teammates. He can convey tactics, motivate the squad, and keep the dressing room stable in tense moments. However, harmony at a press conference is only an initial signal and cannot confirm the entire internal situation. The biggest risk for CAHN in this match is the possibility of losing the opener. Lion City Sailors are a strong opponent with home advantage and high motivation. If CAHN lose, public pressure will increase significantly, especially after their determined statements. Vietnamese media may question Coach Polking's ability, the team's preparation, and their ability to compete in the regional arena. Conversely, if CAHN win, the pre-match declarations will be seen as proof of confidence and character. Injury risk is also a concern. Doan Van Hau has an injury history, and playing at high intensity could cause fitness problems. If Van Hau cannot play, CAHN will lose a key defensive pillar. Other players may also face similar risks when travelling far and adapting to hot and humid weather. Sensible rotation is a necessary solution to minimise this risk. In terms of media and expectations, the match between CAHN and Lion City Sailors is attracting great attention from Vietnamese football fans. Domestic media have widely covered the press conference, highlighting the determined statements of Coach Polking and Doan Van Hau. Fans expect CAHN to win and build momentum for their regional campaign. However, football always brings surprises, and no one can guarantee the result of an away match. Predicting the match, many experts believe it will be a balanced contest. CAHN have the advantage of experience and character, while Lion City Sailors have home advantage and a technical style. The score could be 1-1 or a 2-1 CAHN win if they take their chances well. The important thing is that CAHN stay focused, avoid conceding early, and make the most of set-pieces. If they do that, Coach Polking's side could leave with three points. In summary, the 2026/27 Southeast Asian Club Cup Group B opener between CAHN and Lion City Sailors is a notable event for Vietnamese football. The determined statements from Coach Polking and Doan Van Hau show the reigning V.League champions' great ambition. However, to turn determination into results, CAHN need a truly convincing away performance. The match will take place on October 8, 2026, and fans are waiting for Coach Polking's side to deliver. Whatever the result, it will be a valuable lesson for CAHN on their journey to elevate their regional standing.