Hai Phong vs Ninh Binh: A fierce battle at Lach Tray, predicted 2-2.
Round of 16 of the 2025/26 National Cup at 6:00 PM on November 23rd at Lach Tray Stadium: Hai Phong has won 4 out of their last 5 matches, Ninh Binh is unbeaten in 5 matches and previously drew 2-2 here; a penalty shootout scenario cannot be ruled out.
The Lạch Tray cauldron is ready for the highly anticipated rematch of the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 National Cup. Hai Phong has won 4 out of their last 5 matches and often performs brilliantly at home, but Ninh Binh boasts an unbeaten run of 5 matches (4 wins) and is the only team to leave Lạch Tray this season with a point after a 2-2 draw. The match promises to be closely contested, with the possibility of a penalty shootout.
Tournament:2025/26 National Cup |Ring:1/8 |Location:Lach Tray |Time:18:00 on November 23, 2025 (Vietnam time)
The heat at Lach Tray and the foundation of form.
Hai Phong enters this match with a high tempo, winning 4 out of their last 5 games and consistently applying pressure on their familiar home turf. Ninh Binh, meanwhile, maintains its image as a resilient newcomer: unbeaten in their last 5 matches (4 wins) and currently holding the top spot in the V.League.
The two teams have met twice since 2022: Hai Phong won once and drew once. In the first leg of this season's V.League, Ninh Binh drew 2-2 at Lach Tray Stadium – also the only team to take points there, showing they are not afraid of the pressure of playing away from home. However, Ninh Binh still owes a victory to their Hai Phong rivals.
Tactical axis: the midfield as the hinge.
Hai Phong will likely maintain a 4-3-3 formation with medium-intensity pressing and quick build-up play down the flanks. Minh Di will play a ball-carrying role, while Huu Nam will frequently surge forward to put direct pressure on Ninh Binh's defense. The duo of Viet Hung and Luiz Antonio will stabilize the midfield, balancing the team while also opening up space for attacking players like Friday and Bicou.
Ninh Binh operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing control of the central axis through Ngoc Bao and Hai Duc. When transitioning, Hoang Duc is a crucial ball-carrying point, constantly connecting with Geovane and Gustavo to exploit the space behind the full-backs. The key moments lie in the duel between Hoang Duc and the pair of Viet Hung and Luiz Antonio; additionally, the right flank, with its one-on-one battle between Huu Nam and Thanh Thinh, can shape the tempo of the game.
Players worth watching
Friday and Tagueu give Hai Phong's attack considerable firepower. However, Bicou and Huu Nam are the two most effective players in creating breakthroughs, thanks to their off-ball movement, stretching, and ability to occupy space.
On the Ninh Binh side, Hoang Duc continues to be the focal point. This midfielder has been involved in over 40% of the team's goals this season, with 5 goals and 6 assists; his ability to coordinate the midfield, quick transitions, and long-range shots make him an irreplaceable link in the team.
Notable statistics
- Hai Phong has won 4 out of their last 5 matches.
- Ninh Binh is unbeaten in their last 5 matches, including 4 wins.
- Since 2022, the two teams have met twice: Hai Phong won once and drew once.
- Ninh Binh is the only team to have taken a point at Lach Tray this season (a 2-2 draw).
- Both teams have their best players available for the match.
- Time: 18:00 on November 23, 2025 at Lach Tray.
Predicted lineup
| Team | Diagram | Player |
|---|---|---|
| Hai Phong | 4-3-3 | Dinh Trieu — Tien Dung, Trung Hieu, Nhat Minh — Viet Hung, Luiz Antonio — Minh Di, Huu Nam, Manh Dung — Friday, Bicou |
| Ninh Binh | 4-2-3-1 | Van Lam — Patrick, Thanh Thinh, Duc Chien, Ngoc Ha — Ngoc Bao, Hai Duc — Hoang Duc, Quang Nho — Gustavo, Geovane |
Assessment
Home advantage and a stable tempo put Hai Phong slightly the favorites, but Ninh Binh possesses individuals who can turn the tide. Overall, this is likely to be a tense match in the middle, with little chance of an early lead.
Forecast:2-2 (Hai Phong won on penalties).
