Point to prove: Le Huynh Duc is expected to be Viet Nam's national football team manager for the 2015 Asian Cup qualifiers. — Photo bongdaplus.vn

HA NOI (VNS)— Le Huynh Duc will likely take charge of the national football team for two upcoming matches at the 2015 Asian Cup qualifier, according to the Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF).

At a VFF meeting on Tuesday, Duc, manager of the V-League champion SHB Da Nang, and another coach, Nguyen Huu Thang of Song Lam Nghe An club, were the most mentioned names for the post of acting manager.

Though young, both delivered remarkable performances in recent seasons.

Finally Duc, 41, received more votes due to his impressive profile as a striker and coach. Duc was a key player belonging to the golden generation of Viet Nam. He has won the Golden Ball award – given to the best player of the season – and the best striker of the year award three times.

In 2001, the regional leading forward was the first footballer invited to play abroad in Chongqing Lifan, a Chinese football club.

During his five years as a coach in Da Nang, Duc grabbed two V-League titles – one in 2009 and one in 2012. His team ranked third in 2011 and fourth in 2008; even at its lowest, the team ranked sixth.

He assisted national coach Henrique Calisto when Viet Nam took part in the HCM City Cup in 2009, and later became an acting coach of the team at the Asian Cup 2011 qualifier when Calisto had to work with the under-22 squad in preparation for the 25th Southeast Asian Games.

He accepted the position in a telephone conversation with VFF officials. Duc had previously made a statement that he would accept the responsibility if it was offered to him.

VFF General Secretary Ngo Le Bang will discuss contract details with the Da Nang City-based coach and his local club managers today.

VFF said Duc would have free rein to choose his assistants and players for the matches.

The first match will be against the United Arab Emirates on February 6 in Ha Noi and the second match will be in Hong Kong versus the host on March 22. — VNS