Harry Kewell opens his account: Hanoi wins 3-2 at Go Dau Stadium.

Amid heavy rain at Go Dau Stadium, Hanoi FC defeated Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC 3-2 in a match that featured three penalties, marking the first victory for coach Harry Kewell with the capital city team. Do Hoang Hen scored his first goal since becoming a naturalized player for Hanoi FC, while Ninh Binh came from behind to win 3-1 at PVF-CAND Stadium to consolidate their top position with 20 points after 8 rounds and maintain their unbeaten streak. On the sidelines, Nam Dinh is urgently searching for a foreign coach, while Doan Van Hau's future at CAHN remains uncertain as his contract expires in just a few months.

Harry Kewell and Hanoi FC's first 3-2 victory.

Despite unfavorable weather conditions, Hanoi FC still left Go Dau Stadium with a full three points against Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC. The match featured three penalties – a clear indication of the high intensity of competition in the penalty area on the slippery pitch. A highlight came from Do Hoang Hen: he scored his first goal as a naturalized player for the capital city team.

Developments and highlights

The heavy rain constantly disrupted the tempo of the match, with second balls and set pieces becoming springboards for turning points. Three penalties shaped the rhythm of the 90 minutes – each time the ball was placed on the penalty spot, the balance of chances shifted. In this context, Hanoi's concentration in high-pressure moments and their ability to handle the ball simply and safely proved to be the difference.

Tactical angles in the rain

On a wet pitch, tactical priorities often lean towards risk management: shortening team formations, limiting cross-passes in dangerous areas, and increasing player density in the penalty box at both ends of the pitch. The fact that the match saw three penalties shows that the 16.5-meter area is a tactical hotspot, where penetrations and one-on-one challenges decide the outcome. In that context, individual quality at crucial moments – from positioning to mental fortitude on the penalty spot – helped Hanoi pull ahead.

Hoang Hen and his aspirations for the national team.

After scoring his first goal for Hanoi FC in their 3-2 away win, Hoang Hen expressed his happiness and his desire to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey in the near future. This is a personal milestone and also a positive sign for Hanoi's squad depth under coach Harry Kewell.

Ninh Binh came from behind to win 3-1 at PVF-CAND stadium, maintaining their top spot in the league.

Ninh Binh completed a 3-1 comeback victory at PVF-CAND thanks to moments of class from Bao Toan and Hoang Duc. After 8 rounds, they reached 20 points and maintained their unbeaten streak since the beginning of the season – a steady pace in the championship race.

The central axis dominates the game.

Coach Gerard Albadalejo emphasized the role of Tran Thanh Trung alongside Hoang Duc in midfield: “This was an important match, I needed Thanh Trung to partner with Hoang Duc to control the midfield. And he did very well.” This decision strengthened the ability to control the central space, creating a foundation for acceleration in the final third of the field – a prerequisite for the comeback.

Nam Dinh is looking for a foreign coach for the next phase.

According to several sources, Nguyen Trung Kien – who holds an AFC A coaching license – is only a temporary solution and is not qualified to lead the team in continental competitions, especially the AFC Champions League Two. Therefore, the Nam Dinh management is urgently appointing a new head coach, most likely from Brazil; the identity is expected to be announced soon.

Doan Van Hau and the question mark surrounding his contract at CAHN.

Van Hau signed a three-year contract with CAHN at the end of 2022, which is expected to expire in early 2026 – meaning there are only a few months left. To date, there are no signs that the two sides have reached an agreement to extend the contract, fueling speculation about a possible parting of ways when the contract expires.

Tunku Ismail denies allegations that the VFF was involved in the FAM case.

Regarding FIFA's sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for fraudulent naturalization, Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim affirmed that the complaint did not originate from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF). He stated: “I was clearly informed by the AFC that the complaint did not come from the VFF, not from their president or secretary-general. In fact, FIFA does not easily accept complaints from just any individual.”

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