Johor Darul Ta’zim FC head coach Xisco Muñoz is leaving nothing to chance as the Southern Tigers arrive in Vietnam for a high-stakes Shopee Cup 2025/26 showdown against Nam Định FC this Thursday.
Sitting second in Group B, the Malaysian giants need just a single point from their clash at the Thiên Trường Stadium to mathematically secure a place in the semi-finals. However, Muñoz has cautioned his squad that any lapse in concentration could be punished by a Nam Định side currently boasting a perfect record in the competition.
Nam Định enter Matchday 5 as the only team with four wins from four matches, a feat Muñoz attributes to their tactical discipline and lethal transitions.
“They are a team with very good tactical organisation,” said Muñoz. “They are quick in transition, with fast players who create danger when they move forward. It is no coincidence they have taken maximum points so far.”
The Spaniard specifically highlighted the threat of Brazil-born Vietnam international Nguyễn Xuân Son, the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals. Son’s aerial prowess and clinical finishing have been the engine behind Nam Định’s 12-goal haul—a tally JDT will need to match if they are to leapfrog the hosts for the top spot.
With 10 points from four matches, JDT’s path to the knockout stages is clear. While a draw is enough to progress, a victory would see the Southern Tigers finish as Group B winners, potentially avoiding a tougher draw in the semi-finals.
Credit Photo : JST
