Van Khang scored in the 80th minute, The Cong drew 2-2 with PVF CAND.

In the 80th minute, from a corner kick and a scramble in front of the PVF CAND goal, Khuất Văn Khang unleashed a decisive low shot from just outside the 16.5-meter line. The ball weaved through a crowd of defenders before settling neatly into the net past goalkeeper Đỗ Sỹ Huy, giving Thể Công Viettel a temporary 2-1 lead. However, the home team equalized 2-2 in the 90+3 minute thanks to a goal from Hoàng Vũ Samson. A point shared, but the message from Văn Khang ahead of joining the Vietnam U23 team was clear: his form and ball control are in excellent condition.

The climax and turning point: a goal from a set piece.

The goal from the midfielder born in 2003 came at a pivotal moment in the match. Following a corner kick, the PVF CAND defense failed to clear the ball decisively, creating an opportunity for Van Khang to shoot from the edge of the 16.5-meter box. His low, straight, and quick shot – crucial attributes in a tight space – proved highly effective. It was a move that demonstrated the composure and decisive decision-making of an attacking midfielder at his peak.

Viettel The Cong came close to victory but couldn't hold onto all three points, as Hoang Vu Samson equalized in the 90+3 minute. Nevertheless, Van Khang's outstanding performance – from his ball control to his ability to be in the right place at the right time in set-piece situations – was the biggest highlight for the military team on this matchday.

Tactical angle: positioning the second line and being decisive in the penalty area.

The goal-scoring situation arose from a typical set-piece scenario: the ball bounced out to the edge of the penalty area. In a position outside the penalty box, the quick reaction of the player determines the quality of the opportunity. Van Khang chose to shoot low, minimizing the risk of being blocked in a crowded area and maximizing the low trajectory – a principled choice in situations involving a "forest of legs" in front of the goal.

This play also reflects the value of positional discipline: standing ready at the edge of the 16.5-meter box for the rebound, maintaining body balance for a one-touch shot, preventing the opponent from closing in. For the Vietnam U23 team, this is a model situation that can be replicated: a comprehensive structure of covering the ball from corner kicks, creating opportunities for midfielders with long-range shooting skills and decisiveness like Van Khang to finish the play.

Impact on Vietnam U23 team ahead of Panda Cup 2025

The Vietnam U23 team will assemble on November 9th under the leadership of Acting Head Coach Dinh Hong Vinh, before traveling to China to participate in the CFA Team China Panda Cup 2025 friendly tournament from November 12th to 18th in Chengdu (Sichuan). The tournament brings together four teams: China, South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam – providing a high-quality environment for gaining experience ahead of the 33rd SEA Games.

In that context, a goal at club level is very significant: it boosts confidence, rhythm, and feel for the ball in the penalty area – factors that often make the difference in youth tournaments. With the composure he showed in the match against PVF CAND, Van Khang provides an additional attacking option for the Vietnam U23 team in set-piece situations and in the final minutes of a match when a breakthrough is needed.

Selective statistics

• Score: PVF CAND 2-2 The Cong Viettel (V-League 2025/26, Round 11)
• Khuất Văn Khang's goal: 80th minute, after a corner kick.
• Equalized: in the 90+3 minute, the goalscorer was Hoang Vu Samson.
• Opposing goalkeeper: Do Sy Huy

Note

In a recently mentioned statement, Khuat Van Khang said: "Hopefully I will get to play in the World Cup" – a personal aspiration that aligns with the preparation period for upcoming international tournaments.

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