Vietnamese-Origin Trio Powers Cong An FC to National Cup Glory

Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC has benefited immensely from its Vietnamese-origin players, with three key figures – Patrik Le Giang, Khoa Ngo, and Lee Williams – playing vital roles in their recent National Cup triumph. This victory marks one of the two major professional titles in Vietnamese football and serves as a significant reward for their consistent efforts in the V-League, a league often challenging for players of Vietnamese descent.

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This year's National Cup championship means so much more to Patrik.

Goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang, who rejoined the club in 2023, considers this National Cup win particularly meaningful. He was part of the V-League 2023 championship squad but had limited contributions and soon left the team. "This year's National Cup championship means so much more to Patrik," the article states. He was visibly emotional after the final whistle, and with his Vietnamese passport, he is ready to join the national team should coach Kim Sang Sik call upon him.

Lee Williams, a young Vietnamese-origin player born in 2007, arrived in Vietnam at the beginning of the season. Previously overlooked by The Cong - Viettel, he found a new opportunity with Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC. He has since proven his capabilities, securing a regular starting position in the forward line. Williams has utilized his physical advantages and speed to score 6 goals and provide 1 assist in 17 V-League matches, helping the team finish in the top five. In the National Cup, he added 3 goals in 4 games, including crucial strikes against strong opponents like Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh. These statistics are remarkable for a 19-year-old European-born forward new to Vietnamese football.

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I strive to show the leadership and coaching staff that I can contribute to the club. I also hope to receive Vietnamese citizenship soon to contribute to the national teams. I am young and can still develop further.

Khoa Ngo, another Vietnamese-origin player from Australia, also made an immediate impact in his first season. He scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in 11 V-League appearances and added another goal during the National Cup-winning campaign. Despite his smaller stature, Ngo plays with intensity, leveraging his speed and agility. "The past period has been very difficult for me, as I have been heavily affected by injuries," Ngo shared. "I regret not being able to play at my best. With my small physique, I have to utilize other qualities to compete. I have diligently trained my speed and ball control and am ready to learn new things. I am also very eager to be called up to the national teams."

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The past period has been very difficult for me, as I have been heavily affected by injuries. I regret not being able to play at my best. With my small physique, I have to utilize other qualities to compete. I have diligently trained my speed and ball control and am ready to learn new things. I am also very eager to be called up to the national teams.