* Goal: Pedro 79’
Hanoi FC began this season with two losses and a draw in V-League. The National Cup qualifying round match against The Cong presented an opportunity to regain some respect, and perhaps decide the future of Japanese coach Makoto Teguramori.
In the stands of Hang Day stadium, Hanoi FC owner Nguyen Duc Hien and his son, club chairman Do Vinh Quang, witnessed their team start brightly. In the second minute, Do Hung Dung’s left-footed volley from just outside the box rattled the crossbar. A minute later, Fernando’s left-footed curler from outside the box went wide.
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Pedro Henrique (red) scored the only goal to help The Cong defeat Hanoi FC 1-0 in the 2025-2026 National Cup qualifying round, at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi on 14/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh |
Pedro Henrique (red) scored the only goal to help The Cong defeat Hanoi FC 1-0 in the 2025-2026 National Cup qualifying round, at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi on 14/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh
Hanoi FC controlled possession, but their attack lacked fluidity and speed. Meanwhile, The Cong, while also enjoying periods of possession, focused on maintaining a solid defense, playing aggressively, and capitalizing on set pieces.
In the 30th minute, from a right-wing cross, former Hanoi FC center-back Kyle Colonna’s header bounced off the right post. Khuat Van Khang then missed a shot which turned into a pass for Pedro Henrique, whose close-range header was saved by goalkeeper Van Hoang.
Hanoi FC continued to dominate in the second half. In the 55th minute, Fernando dribbled past a defender inside the left side of the box and unleashed a shot that goalkeeper Van Viet tipped away with his fingertips. Three minutes later, a neat exchange between Fernando and Do Hung Dung set up Van Quyet for a powerful shot inside the box, but Van Viet again made the save. In the 68th minute, Hung Dung won possession and passed to Hai Long, who crossed from the byline, but the ball went behind all his teammates.
The Cong, however, needed only one opportunity to seal the match in the 79th minute. From a through ball, Pedro raced into the box and slotted a right-footed shot across the goal. Van Hoang got a hand to it but couldn't prevent the goal. Hanoi FC was stunned, while Pedro celebrated wildly with the fans in the B stand, taking off his shirt.
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Do Duy Manh expresses disappointment as Hanoi FC loses 0-1 to The Cong in the 2025-2026 National Cup qualifying round, at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi on 14/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh |
Do Duy Manh expresses disappointment as Hanoi FC loses 0-1 to The Cong in the 2025-2026 National Cup qualifying round, at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi on 14/9/2025. Photo: Hoang Huynh
Coach Makoto used all his substitutions, bringing on Daniel Passira, Le Xuan Tu, and Nguyen Van Truong in hopes of a comeback. The team created some good chances from the 90th minute onwards, but shots from Passira and Pham Tuan Hai went wide.
At the final whistle, the Hanoi FC players bowed their heads in disappointment. The narrow defeat ended their hopes of winning a 4th consecutive National Cup title, leaving them with only the V-League to focus on during their 20th-anniversary celebrations.
While Hanoi FC struggles, The Cong continues to soar under coach Velizar Popov. The team is unbeaten in four matches and faces a tough challenge in the round of 16 against Cong An Hanoi.
Hanoi FC will face The Cong again next weekend in round 4 of the 2025-2026 V-League.
Today, 14/9, also saw four other National Cup qualifying matches. Van Hien University and Quang Ninh lost 0-1 to Bac Ninh and Ha Tinh, respectively. Da Nang defeated TP HCM Youth 2-0. Meanwhile, Tran Minh Vuong starred as second-division Dong Nai upset V-League side Becamex TP HCM 3-1.
Starting Lineups:
The Cong: Van Viet, Bui Tien Dung, Kyle Colonna, Dinh Viet Tu, Phan Tuan Tai, Truong Tien Anh, Huu Thang, Wesley Nata, Khuat Van Khang, Pedro Henrique, Lucao Vinicius
Hanoi FC: Van Hoang, Do Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, Cong Nhat, Tran Van Thang, Hai Long, Do Hung Dung, Maranhao, Pham Tuan Hai, Van Quyet, Fernando.
