* goals: Mauk 76', Dinh Bac 90' - Liangming 11'

Before the match at Hang Day Stadium, Group E had already seen Australia's Macarthur secure qualification after defeating Hong Kong Taipo 2-1. Macarthur led the group with 10 points and had only one match remaining. Meanwhile, Cong an Ha Noi (CAHN) and Beijing shared 5 points, meaning the winner would claim the second qualification spot.

However, fortune did not favor the home team early in the match. In the 6th minute, Leo Artur's curling shot struck the right post. Five minutes later, Nguyen Quang Hai passed back to Nguyen Filip. Under pressure from an opponent, the goalkeeper, born in 1992, cleared the ball directly into Lin Liangming, deflecting it into his own net. The entire CAHN team was stunned, and Filip shook his head in disappointment.

Cong an Ha Noi forward Leo Artur (number 10) missed a penalty in the 28th minute during the 2-1 victory against Beijing Guoan in the fifth round of Group E, AFC Champions League Two 2025-2026, at Hang Day Stadium, Ha Noi on 27/11/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh.

This marked Filip's third error in international play. On 20/8, CAHN lost 1-2 away to Thai club BG Pathum United in the Southeast Asian tournament. The second goal conceded was a shot from nearly 40 meters by Chanathip into an empty net after Filip's long pass was intercepted by an opponent. Later, he passed directly to an opponent, allowing Zhang Yuan to score a one-touch ground shot, making it 2-1 in the 2-2 draw against Beijing on 18/9.

The conceded goal affected CAHN's morale, leading to a stagnant attack. However, they received a favorable refereeing decision in the 26th minute. From the right wing, Le Van Do chipped the ball past Jiang Wenhao, but referee Ahmed Saad ruled it a handball and awarded a penalty. Beijing players protested strongly, with Jiang pulling at his shirt to show the referee a mark, but the decision stood. Nevertheless, Leo Artur's low shot to the right corner was saved by goalkeeper Zhang Jianzhi.

It was not until the second half, when coach Mano Polking brought on Nguyen Dinh Bac to replace Alan Grafite, that the home team's play improved. The first three minutes saw Quang Hai and Vitao challenge Zhang. In the 55th minute, center-back Ngadeu cleared the ball, hitting Artur, which then rebounded towards the goal but struck the left post.

The home team's offensive push created opportunities for Beijing to counter, but they wasted their chances. In the 67th minute, Fang Hao dribbled past a defender in the penalty area before taking a left-footed curling shot, which Filip rushed out to block with his foot. In the 75th minute, Zhang Yuning broke into the box and shot directly at Filip. His follow-up shot, looping over the CAHN goalkeeper, then hit the crossbar.

One minute later, fortune finally favored the home team. After Alves and Artur's unsuccessful combination, Fang Hao's clearance deflected off Stefan Mauk and into Beijing's net. This equalizer immediately boosted the CAHN players' spirits, driving them to finish the match.

In the 88th minute, Quang Hai struck a left-footed volley from inside the box towards the left corner, but goalkeeper Zhang made a superb save. Two minutes later, Mauk delivered a cross from the right byline to the far post, where Artur volleyed it one-touch into the 5.5-meter box for Dinh Bac to tap in from close range, securing the 2-1 victory.

Hang Day Stadium erupted in cheers from the fans. Players celebrated across the field. Hero Dinh Bac took off his shirt in celebration and then, with coach Mano Polking, ran towards Stand A to share the joy.

Cong an Ha Noi forward Nguyen Dinh Bac (center) celebrates his 90th-minute goal against Beijing Guoan. Photo: Hoang Huynh.

After this moment, the visiting team lost their composure. Following a collision near the sideline, Cao Yongjing and Rogerio Alves fell. The Chinese player then forcefully pushed his opponent, leading to a skirmish. Fortunately, the scenario from the first leg did not repeat as most other players remained calm and pulled those involved apart.

Once the situation subsided, referee Saad issued a direct red card to Cao Yongjing. Wang Gang and Alves also received yellow cards.

Cao Yongjing (white shirt, center) is pulled away from the melee after fouling Rogerio Alves. Photo: Hoang Huynh.

Ultimately, CAHN preserved their 2-1 victory. The team finished second with 8 points, three points ahead of Beijing, and secured their advancement based on their head-to-head record.

Mano Polking's team aims to defeat Taipo in the final match on 4/12. For them to claim the top spot, Beijing must also defeat Macarthur. If the Australian club secures a draw, they will not need to consider the result of the other match, as they already hold a superior head-to-head record against CAHN (a 1-0 win and a 1-1 draw).

Starting Lineups

Cong an Ha Noi: Nguyen Filip, Hugo Gomes, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Adou Leygley Minh, Le Van Do, Vitao, Stefan Mauk, Quang Hai, Leo Artur, Alan Grafite, Rogerio Alves

Beijing: Zhang Jianzhi, Wu Shaocong, Ngadeu, Wang Gang, Jiang Wenhao, Sai Erjiniao, Guga, Lin Liangming, Yang Liyu, Zhang Yuan, Fabio Abreu.

Hieu Luong