CA TP HCM secured a 1-0 victory over bottom-ranked PVF-CAND in V-League 205-2026 round 16 at Thong Nhat stadium on the evening of 15/3. Midfielder Khoa Ngo scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute, marking his second consecutive goal. This win earned the police team six points in their last two matches.

In stark contrast to the bright performance of new signing Khoa Ngo, team captain and striker Tien Linh continued to disappoint. He squandered numerous scoring opportunities, even missing an open net. National team coach Kim Sang-sik, present in the stands, visibly expressed regret over his player's struggles.

Striker Nguyen Tien Linh attempting a shot during CA TP HCM's 1-0 victory over PVF-CAND in V-League 205-2026 round 16, at Thong Nhat stadium, on the evening of 15/3. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Tien Linh's goal drought now extends to 11 consecutive rounds, dating back to V-League round 5 on 27/9/2025. He has only managed three goals in 16 rounds this season.

Following the match, coach Le Huynh Duc acknowledged Tien Linh is under pressure, lacking confidence, and feeling anxious. As a former striker, the former star player from TP HCM understands his player's current predicament. "Right now, I also want to bench Tien Linh," Mr. Duc stated, "but the team is short on strikers. Dinh Thanh Binh has just returned, while Bui Van Binh is still young and not strong enough to start. Therefore, we need to encourage the players and train lightly to help them regain their confidence."

Born in 1997, Tien Linh developed at Binh Duong club. The striker from Hai Duong made his first-team debut in 2017 and became a key player for the team for many years, scoring 71 goals in 147 V-League matches. He was twice the "top domestic scorer" in the 2018 and 2024-2025 seasons. However, before this season, he joined CA TP HCM.

Midfielder Khoa Ngo celebrating his goal, which helped CA TP HCM defeat PVF-CAND 1-0 in V-League 205-2026 round 16, at Thong Nhat stadium, on the evening of 15/3. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Khoa Ngo, whose real name is Ngo Dang Khoa, was born in 2006 in Perth, Australia. The 21-year-old player, whose parents are both Vietnamese, is 1,65 m tall and weighs 65 kg. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger, known for his speed and skillful technique. Khoa Ngo developed at the Perth Glory academy and began his professional career at age 19. He is the first Vietnamese-origin player to play and score in the A-League (Australia's national championship). After 26 appearances for Perth Glory, in early 2026, Khoa Ngo returned to Vietnam to play for CA TP HCM. He has since scored three goals and provided one assist in five V-League matches.

With 26 points, CA TP HCM rose to 5th place in the league standings. PVF-CAND remains at the bottom of the table with 11 points. In V-League round 17, CA TP HCM will visit Thanh Hoa, while PVF-CAND will host Becamex TP HCM, formerly Binh Duong club.

Duc Dong