On October 15, in Da Nang, VietFootball held a draw and scheduled matches for the 2024 Hyundai Thanh Cong National 7-a-side Football Cup (VSC-S4), Central region. This is the third consecutive time the event has taken place in Da Nang, and the race for the championship and tickets to the national finals promises to be intense, with the participation of strong teams from the region.

In its third edition in Da Nang, the 2024 Central Region National 7-a-side Football Cup promises to be thrilling and exciting. Photo: P.N.

The 7-a-side National Football Cup has gone through three successful seasons, attracting a large following. These tournaments have contributed to promoting football as well as sports and physical activities across the country. Like last season, this year’s competition is divided into four regions. The Northern region has 20 teams participating from Ha Noi, Hai Duong, Ha Tinh, Hai Phong, Vinh Phuc, Bac Giang, and more, from October 13 to November 17 at the Hoang Mai District Cultural and Sports Centre in Ha Noi.

The Southern region, featuring 12 teams from cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, An Giang, and Ninh Thuan, will take place from October 26 to November 23 at Gia Dinh Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City. In the Central Highlands, the competition in Pleiku, from October 20 to November 16, will gather 12 teams from Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Kon Tum, and Lam Dong. The Central region matches will be held at Dam Sen Stadium in Hoa Quy Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, from October 19 to November 24, featuring nine teams from Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Da Nang. After the regional qualifiers, eight teams will earn their place in the national finals, scheduled for December.

In the Central region, the nine teams — Hung The Gia School, V&V Quang Nam, Kiet Phuoc, Ngoc Luan, Bay Le, AE GFDI Han River, Hieu Hoa Quahaco, Xay Dung Bao Anh, and QC Tran Gia — will be divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals and final. Among these teams, Hung The Gia School, AE GFDI Han River, and Hieu Hoa Quahaco have previous experience in the tournament.

The competition for the two tickets to the national finals is expected to be fierce. Hung The Gia School is determined to surprise, having not achieved the best results in previous seasons, by increasing training and playing friendly matches with other teams in Da Nang to improve skills. They also brought in reinforcements from other areas. The team aims to perform well and progress deep into the tournament.

AE GFDI Han River and Hieu Hoa Quahaco are also strong contenders for the title. Last season, they delivered thrilling matches that packed the stands at Dam Sen Stadium. In the final, AE GFDI Han River defeated Hieu Hoa Quahaco to win the regional championship. However, AE GFDI Han River couldn’t maintain their form in the national finals, while Hieu Hoa Quahaco, despite finishing second in the region, went on to claim the national championship.

This year, Hieu Hoa Quahaco’s lineup is highly regarded, with standout player Nguyen Van Hieu, who previously represented Viet Nam at the 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup. In recent years, he has shifted to amateur football and found success. According to Nguyen Van Hieu, the team trains twice a day to maintain fitness and form. Their goal for the upcoming tournament is to win each match and advance to the final.

According to Mr. Pham Ngoc Tuan, General Director of VietFootball, this year’s competition features more teams, increasing the level of competition and promising an exciting football spectacle for fans. The Central region's organisational preparations are complete, and the teams are ready to compete. The organisers are offering free entry for spectators to cheer on their teams and watch the matches.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Thao, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports, highlighted that football has grown significantly in the city over the years. With the third consecutive hosting of the 7-a-side National Football Cup, the 2024 Central region tournament is expected to be an exciting event, with participating teams highly rated for their skills and preparation.

Reporting by PHI NONG - Translated by TRUC VY