Ninh Binh drew 1-1 with Becamex Ho Chi Minh City, Hoang Duc left disappointed.
Hoang Duc opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but Ninh Binh conceded an equalizer to Becamex Ho Chi Minh City in the 75th minute, making the score 1-1. The team from the ancient capital remains unbeaten in 9 matches and still leads the V.League by 1 point over CAHN FC.
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute: Ugochukwu Oduanyi scored with a long-range shot to equalize 1-1, erasing the advantage that Nguyen Hoang Duc had given Ninh Binh from the penalty spot. The draw at home not only left a sense of regret but also narrowed the gap at the top of the V.League 2025/26 table to just one point behind CAHN FC, although Ninh Binh extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches.
Match summary: early advantage, shock in the 75th minute.
Ninh Binh got off to a good start when Hoang Duc calmly converted a penalty, giving the home team control of the game. On an evening where the midfielder born in 1998 remained the focal point of their play, the team from the ancient capital controlled the game for most of the time.
But the second half saw a resurgence from Becamex TP.HCM. While Ninh Binh were unable to seal the victory, Oguochukwu Oduanyi punished their lack of concentration with a long-range shot in the 75th minute, bringing the game back to a tie.
Tactical perspective: Hoang Duc's midfield and lessons in match management.
Hoang Duc's leadership role continued to be a cornerstone in the midfield. He connected the lines and set the tempo for Ninh Binh, clearly demonstrated in the opening goal from the penalty spot. However, the crucial detail lay in the final stages of the match: a "lack of concentration," as Hoang Duc himself admitted, opened up opportunities for the opponent.
At the championship level, managing the tempo after taking the lead – from safe ball handling to organizing second-line cover against long-range shots – is the line between three points and one point. This draw is a reminder of the importance of tightness in crucial moments.
Post-match statement: regret and commitment to improvement.
Hoang Duc shared: “The whole team played very hard, but at times we lost focus a little, allowing the opponent to equalize. I'm very disappointed that we only got a draw. Perhaps after this match, the whole team will learn from our mistakes to prepare better for the next matches.”
He emphasized the spirit of respecting opponents and thorough preparation: "Ninh Binh always respects every opponent. Before each match, we carefully analyze their playing style to be as well-prepared as possible."
Impact on the race: the lead remains in their hands, the gap is narrow.
The 1-1 draw helped Ninh Binh maintain their nine-match unbeaten streak and retain their top spot in the V.League 2025/26, but the gap has narrowed to just one point behind CAHN FC. With a packed schedule, even a small lapse in concentration could change the course of the race.
After the match, Ninh Binh faced further difficulties upon receiving bad news about Tran Thanh Trung's injury.
Notable statistics
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Score | Ninh Binh 1-1 Becamex Ho Chi Minh City |
| Ninh Binh goal | Nguyen Hoang Duc (11m) |
| Becamex TP.HCM goals | Ugochukwu Oduenyi 75' (long shot) |
| Ninh Binh's series of matches | 9 unbeaten matches |
| Ranking position | Leading the table, one point ahead of CAHN FC. |
| Note | Ninh Binh home stadium; Tran Thanh Trung injured after the match. |
Highlights
- Hoang Duc continued to be the "brain" of the midfield, directly opening the scoring from the penalty spot.
- Odeenyi's long-range shot in the 75th minute reflected the problem of concentration in crucial moments.
- The unbeaten streak has been extended, but the safety margin at the top of the table is no longer significant.
