Duc Giang Chemical Club is the second representative of Vietnam to participate in the 2024 Asian Club Volleyball Championship as the current runner-up of the national championship.
According to the draw results, coach Pham Van Long's team is in group A with Nakhonratchasima QminC VC (Thailand), Kuanysh VC (Kazakhstan) and Kwai Tsing (Hong Kong, China).
Currently, Duc Giang Chemicals has not yet announced the official list of players for the upcoming tournament in Thailand. Some notable changes are that this team has successfully recruited Russian player - Elena Samoilenko. This player has an impressive height of 1m95, plays as a main striker and has rich experience in Asia. Elena has played in Russia, France, Kazakhstan, China and most recently the Philippines.
In addition, the current runner-up of the Vietnam National Championship also welcomed the return of libero Le Thi Thanh Lien after a period of absence.
Journalist Nguyen Luu expects Elena to be the main striker for Duc Giang Chemicals at the 2024 Asian Club Championship. Meanwhile, Thanh Lien used to be Vietnam's number 1 libero and has impressive footwork, so her presence will also help increase the connection between Duc Giang Chemicals.
However, journalist Nguyen Luu commented that Group A is still a difficult group and the challenge for Duc Giang Chemicals will be heavier than for LPB Ninh Binh in Group B.
"Kwai Tsing (Hong Kong, China) is the weakest team among the four teams in this group.
Meanwhile, Kuanysh VC is a familiar name as they have just competed in the VTV Cup 2024 and defeated the Vietnamese team 3-0 in the opening match. The Kazakhstan team has an impressive midfielder Polina Ufimtseva, who plays well, unites and enhances the home team's strength. Therefore, this is a dangerous opponent because they have somewhat understood the playing style and physical strength of the Vietnamese players.
Nakhonratchasima QminC VC was the champion of the Thai national championship last year. This is a team with strength similar to Vietnam's Signal Corps. In the upcoming tournament, Nakhonratchasima also has the support of home fans, so it is also very formidable.
On the side of Duc Giang Chemicals, the pillars in the squad are still Tu Linh, Bich Thuy, Ly Thi Luyen or setter Tichaya Boonlert (Thailand). But this is a very difficult group. The task of the Vietnamese representative is not easy when coach Pham Van Long and his team have to compete fiercely with two opponents, Nakhonratchasima and Kuanysh VC", journalist Nguyen Luu assessed.
According to the schedule, Duc Giang Chemicals will face Kuanysh VC in the opening match, taking place at 10:00 on September 22.
