The Cong Viettel defeated CAHN 4-3, Vietnam U22 team has a full squad early.

Viettel FC defeated CAHN 4-3 on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the National Cup, in an evening marked by the impact of VAR, with a lengthy 8-minute review. At the national team level, coach Mano Polking confirmed that CAHN would release Dinh Bac, Minh Phuc, and Ly Duc to the Vietnam U22 team early, allowing coach Kim Sang-sik to have a full squad from the very first day of preparation for the SEA Games 33. At the regional level, the AFC stated that it must wait for Malaysia's appeal to the CAS before making a final decision on the naturalization case, after FIFA rejected FAM's application.

Key moments: Penalty shootout 4-3 and 8 minutes of VAR.

The match between The Cong Viettel and CAHN was decided on penalties, where the military team won 4-3 to secure a place in the quarterfinals. Coach Popov emphasized that his players executed their tactics correctly and affirmed that the result was not due to luck. Conversely, Coach Mano Polking complained about the refereeing decisions, particularly the lengthy 8-minute VAR review – a pause long enough to alter the pace of the game and the mentality of both teams.

In high-pressure situations like penalty shootouts, prolonged interruptions can easily create variables. However, Coach Popov's emphasis on tactical discipline showed that The Cong Viettel controlled the situation well, while CAHN left the field with much regret due to VAR decisions.

CAHN releases player early, U22 Vietnam closes down squad.

Immediately after the defeat against The Cong Viettel, coach Mano Polking confirmed that Dinh Bac, Minh Phuc, and Ly Duc would join the Vietnam U22 team. This decision ensures that coach Kim Sang-sik has a full squad from the first day of training for the SEA Games 33 – a crucial factor in stabilizing the team's structure and tactical rhythm.

However, the Vietnam U22 team suffered a major setback in midfield when Van Truong sustained a serious injury. With Malaysia declaring their goal of defeating Vietnam U22 to secure a semi-final spot, quickly regaining their full squad and filling the personnel gap in midfield became a top priority.

Malaysia signals a challenge, but has limited resources.

Coach Nafuzi Zain attracted attention when he asserted that the Malaysian U22 team aims to defeat the Vietnamese U22 team at the 33rd SEA Games. However, Malaysia only has 6 players from the Super League. Conversely, the Vietnamese U22 team mainly consists of players currently competing in the V.League and recently won the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship – two points of comparison that highlight the difference in playing background and experience.

Tactically, this could lead to differences in pressing intensity and consistency in ball organization between the two teams. However, the knockout nature of the SEA Games often narrows the gap, turning details like set pieces, individual errors, or substitution timing into turning points.

AFC awaits CAS ruling on Malaysia case, scenario remains open.

The AFC stated that it must await Malaysia's appeal to the CAS before making a final decision regarding the illegal naturalization case. Previously, FIFA rejected FAM's appeal and upheld the penalty, leaving the Malaysian national team facing the risk of a 0-3 forfeit loss in related matches, as acknowledged by the Malaysian Minister of Sport.

In this context, historical confrontations or current form are temporarily taking a backseat to legal developments. The final decision will directly impact the regional landscape, but at this point, all scenarios remain open.

Doan Van Hau is ready for the second half of the 2025/26 V-League season.

Hanoi Police have registered Doan Van Hau for the second half of the 2025/26 V-League season. The 25-year-old defender could play from round 14, opening up an opportunity to regain his match fitness after a long-term injury. This return also brings him closer to making his first appearance under coach Kim Sang-sik, aiming for the match against Malaysia in 2026.

With a full-back possessing the physical attributes and attacking capabilities, his return – if everything goes according to plan – would increase the personnel options for both his club and the national team.

Lee Williams sets a milestone for Vietnamese-British players.

Lee Williams scored against Ho Chi Minh City FC in the National Cup, becoming the first Vietnamese-British player to score in both the V-League and the National Cup. The 18-year-old striker, standing at 1.90m tall, is thriving with Ho Chi Minh City FC and is continuing the process of obtaining Vietnamese citizenship, opening up opportunities to play for the national teams at various levels in the future.

With a height of 1.90m, his aerial advantage and influence in the penalty area are easily noticeable. Goals in two domestic professional competitions at the age of 18 demonstrate rapid progress in spatial awareness and positioning.

Power outage at Lach Tray and its impact on VAR.

The Hai Phong – Ninh Binh match in the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 National Cup was postponed from 6 PM to 7 PM due to a power outage affecting the VAR system at Lach Tray Stadium. The organizers needed time to fix the problem before the match could take place. This was one of three matches in this round where VAR was applied.

The incident highlights the operational challenges of implementing technology in competition: even a single infrastructure malfunction can lead to changes in the organizational rhythm, audience schedules, and the professional work of both teams.

Quick Score

• The Cong Viettel defeated CAHN 4-3 on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the National Cup.
• Coach Popov praised the tactics; Coach Polking complained about the decisions, including an 8-minute VAR review.
• CAHN released Dinh Bac, Minh Phuc, and Ly Duc early to the Vietnam U22 team; the U22 team will be without Van Truong due to a serious injury.
• Coach Nafuzi Zain declared that the Malaysian U22 team will defeat the Vietnamese U22 team to advance to the semi-finals of the SEA Games 33.
• AFC awaits CAS ruling before ruling on Malaysia case; FIFA has rejected FAM's appeal and upheld the penalty.
• Doan Van Hau has been registered for the second half of the 2025/26 V-League season and could play from round 14.
• Lee Williams scored in the National Cup against Ho Chi Minh City, setting a milestone for the Vietnamese-British player.
• The Hai Phong – Ninh Binh match was delayed by 60 minutes due to an electrical fault affecting VAR at Lach Tray.