Ha Noi FC had a challenging start to the season, suffering defeats to Cong an TP HCM 1-3 and SLNA 1-4 in the V-League. Their struggles continued with an elimination by Da Nang in the first round of the National Cup. In contrast, V-League newcomers Bac Ninh exceeded expectations, with a narrow 0-1 loss to SLNA, a 1-0 victory over Cong an TP HCM in the V-League, and a 3-2 win against Long An in the National Cup.

The team's poor performance placed pressure on head coach Harry Kewell. A break for the national team offered the Australian tactician an opportunity to make necessary changes. The club parted ways with several high-profile but underperforming players, including defender Cyrus Christie and forward Adam Taggart. Center-back Adriel Silva was recalled, and central midfielder Kevin Felida, who played 8 years in the Dutch first division, joined the squad.

Andrew Jung (in purple) scored, helping Ha Noi FC defeat Bac Ninh 1-0 in V-League 2026-2027 round 3 at My Dinh Stadium, Ha Noi on 11/10/2026. *Photo: Ha Noi FC*.

While the attack still lacked fluidity, the new additions brought greater balance and solidity to Ha Noi FC, along with a moment of quality. In the 78th minute, Felida delivered a precise pass into the defense's flank for Nguyen Hai Long, who sprinted down the right wing before crossing into the penalty area. Striker Andrew Jung was perfectly positioned to tap in from close range. This hard-fought, minimal victory lifted significant pressure from coach Kewell and his players.

Despite the loss, Bac Ninh displayed a resilient playing style. The match could have unfolded differently had Brenner not shot a penalty wide of the left post in the 30th minute. A goal then might have extended Ha Noi FC's disappointing run. The penalty was awarded after Ngan Van Dai, a former Ha Noi player, was fouled by Van Quyet inside the box.

Beyond Van Dai, Bac Ninh's squad featured several other former Ha Noi players, including David Fisher, Nguyen Van Cong, Le Van Xuan, Vu Tien Long, and Pierre Lamothe. Their presence intensified on-field contests, such as an incident where Fisher nearly clashed with Xuan Manh following a foul. Even the coaching staffs of both teams exchanged heated words at times. In the 84th minute, goalkeeper coach Duong Hong Son notably provoked the Bac Ninh coaching staff after Adriel Silva was fouled by Brenner.

The victory helped Ha Noi FC climb from the bottom of the V-League table. The team now has 3 points, matching HAGL, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, The Cong, and Da Nang, but ranks 13th due to an inferior goal difference. Dong Nai remains at the bottom, the only team yet to secure any points.

Cong an Ha Noi currently leads the league with 9 points after 3 consecutive wins. Ninh Binh and SLNA are also undefeated, trailing by 2 points.

Starting lineups:

Ha Noi FC: Quan Van Chuan, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Nguyen Anh Tiep, Nguyen Cong Nhat, Adriel Silva, Do Hung Dung, Yuval Sade, Kevin Felida, Nguyen Van Quyet, Andrew Jung, Aymeric Faurand-Tournaire

Bac Ninh: Nguyen Van Cong, Nguyen Van Dat, Trong Kiet, Rafael Santos, Phan The Hung, Vu Hong Quan, Mai Xuan Quyet, Vitao, Brenner, David Fisher, Ngan Van Dai.

Hieu Luong