Southeast Asian fans react in unison as the Vietnamese team lands in the Asian 'group of death'

The Cong Viettel is placed in Group E alongside FC Seoul, Melbourne Victory, and either Persib Bandung or Manila Digger, which has captured the interest of Southeast Asian supporters.

The AFC Champions League Two 2026/27 draw ceremony took place on the afternoon of August 18 in Kuala Lumpur, placing The Cong Viettel in Group E with FC Seoul, Melbourne Victory, and the winner of the playoff between Persib Bandung and Manila Digger.

Right after the results were announced, many Southeast Asian fans considered this to be one of the toughest groups in the tournament, with some even calling Group E the "group of death" in the Eastern region. The two opponents from South Korea and Australia both have strong football foundations, while the remaining spot is likely to go to Persib Bandung.

"Group E is definitely the hardest group. FC Seoul and Melbourne Victory are both very strong teams, and Persib, if they get through the playoffs, are no easy opponents either."

Meanwhile, a Thai fan argued that the Vietnamese representative still has a chance to advance if they make good use of their home advantage: "The Cong Viettel is not rated as highly as Seoul or Melbourne Victory, but they are not a weak team. The two home matches will greatly determine their chances of progressing from the group stage."

Another opinion from Malaysia commented: "I think The Cong Viettel needs to earn at least 4 points from their two home matches. If they drop points against direct competitors, the task will become very difficult."

FC Seoul is the biggest challenge for the Vietnamese representative. The South Korean team possesses superior physicality, speed, and player quality. Melbourne Victory also poses a difficult problem with their powerful style of play and international experience.

"The Cong Viettel will have to play with the highest discipline against FC Seoul. If they stay solid and capitalize on opportunities, I still believe they can spring a surprise,"commented a Filipino fan.

Meanwhile, Group F also received a lot of attention as Adelaide United, BG Pathum United, Lion City Sailors, and Tai Po are all featured. A Singapore fan thought this group is more balanced than Group E: "Group F is very interesting because the Southeast Asian teams have a real chance to compete. I don't think the gap between the teams is too big."

Group G, featuring FC Machida Zelvia, Shanghai Shenhua, Svay Rieng, and Tampines Rovers, is also considered worth watching, while Group H brings together Gangwon FC, Kuching City, Kitchee, and Phnom Penh Crown.

For The Cong Viettel, the top two positions in Group E are a challenging goal. However, playing home and away gives them opportunities to accumulate points. A Cambodian fan remarked: "Very difficult, but not impossible. If The Cong Viettel can win their home matches, they can definitely compete for the second spot."

The group stage of the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27 is expected to kick off on September 15. The Cong Viettel will have to show their mettle from the very first matchdays if they want to overcome a group that Southeast Asian fans have rated as one of the toughest in the tournament.