National Cup Round of 16: Khanh Hoa vs Bac Ninh, SLNA vs Da Nang
Two early matches of the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 National Cup: Khatoco Khanh Hoa hosts Bac Ninh FC at the 19/8 Stadium in Nha Trang; SLNA welcomes Da Nang at the Vinh Stadium. VAR will be used in the SLNA - Da Nang match.
The Round of 16 of the 2025/26 National Cup kicks off at a time when the national team and U22 team are training, meaning many clubs may be missing key players. Two early matches are noteworthy: Khatoco Khanh Hoa hosts Bac Ninh FC at the 19/8 Stadium in Nha Trang, while SLNA takes on Da Nang at the Vinh Stadium. The SLNA – Da Nang match will be supported by VAR technology.
Khanh Hoa vs Bac Ninh FC: First Division derby and a debt to settle at the August 19th Stadium.
The early match at the 19/8 Stadium in Nha Trang was a "First Division derby" between Khatoco Khanh Hoa – currently ranked second in the First Division – and Bac Ninh FC, an ambitious newcomer. A lucky draw meant Khanh Hoa didn't have to play in the qualifying round, while Bac Ninh made their professional debut with a 1-0 victory against Van Hien University.
A recent historical highlight: Khánh Hòa's only defeat in the First Division so far was against Bắc Ninh when the two teams met at Việt Yên Stadium. Home advantage and high form give coach Trần Trọng Bình's team the edge, and they are aiming to avenge their First Division loss by securing the first ticket to the National Cup quarter-finals.
SLNA vs Da Nang: A test of fire at Vinh Stadium, VAR ready.
The other match will take place at Vinh Stadium between SLNA and Da Nang. Both teams are currently in the relegation battle in V.League 1 this season, so there are concerns that they will prioritize this crucial "fight for survival." However, with V.League 1 entering a long break, the National Cup is an opportunity to maintain fitness, rhythm, and build momentum for a breakthrough when the league resumes at the end of January 2026.
In the first leg of V.League 1, Da Nang drew 1-1 against SLNA at home. The rematch in Vinh presents a clear disadvantage for the visiting team. Da Nang's realistic goal, as they have defended before, is likely to try to bring the game to a tie within 90 minutes and decide the winner through a penalty shootout. VAR technology will assist in this match, minimizing controversy in sensitive situations.
Team dynamics: opportunities for young talents.
The Round of 16 comes at a time when the national team and U22 team are assembling, and some strong teams risk missing key players. This opens up opportunities for young talents or players who rarely get to play, especially in positions requiring a lot of energy such as on the wings or in high-pressing situations.
In this context, coaches will likely adjust the pace and approach: Khanh Hoa may proactively control the game and press to secure an early victory at home, while Bac Ninh may opt for a pragmatic approach, waiting for opportunities to counter-attack. At Vinh Stadium, the balance may tip in favor of SLNA, but the caution of both teams is evident as they are just one knockout match away from reaching the quarter-finals.
The numbers and professional highlights
- Khatoco Khánh Hòa is currently ranked second in the First Division.
- Bac Ninh FC defeated Van Hien University 1-0 in the qualifying round of the 2025/26 National Cup.
- Khánh Hòa's only defeat in the First Division so far came against Bắc Ninh at Việt Yên Stadium.
- SLNA and Da Nang drew 1-1 in the first leg of V.League 1 when Da Nang played at home.
- The SLNA – Da Nang match used VAR technology.
A quarter-final spot would be a valuable catalyst for the ambitions of the clubs, and also a measure of squad depth during a period of player absences. Both early matches promise drama in different ways: Khanh Hoa's revenge match against Bac Ninh, and a tense VAR-influenced gamble at the Vinh stadium.