*More to follow
Following their 2-1 defeat against SLNA in Vinh in round two, Nam Dinh rediscovered the form that propelled them to two consecutive V-League titles. Despite conceding a goal to PVF-CAND at the end of the first half, Vu Hong Viet's team rallied to a 2-1 victory, securing a spot in the top 3.
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Midfielder A Mit's long-range shot for Nam Dinh during the V-League round three match against PVF-CAND at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh ward, Ninh Binh province, on the evening of 27/8/2025. Photo: *Quang Duong* |
Towards the end of the first half, midfielder Huynh Cong Den surged down the right flank before delivering a pass into the right side of the penalty area to Thanh Nhan. The U23 Vietnam international feigned a shot, switching the ball to his left foot, catching defender Dang Van Toi off balance. Thanh Nhan then unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the far corner, beating goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh. He celebrated his goal with Cristiano Ronaldo's signature spin jump.
Nam Dinh equalized in the 52nd minute from a goalmouth scramble following a corner. Striker Hoang Vu Samson's clearance struck teammate Alain Eyenga, deflecting the ball into his own net, much to the astonishment of the PVF-CAND players.
In the 66th minute, a combination play between Nam Dinh's two foreign players resulted in the winning goal. Striker Marlos Brenner delivered a pass from the left into the box, setting up midfielder Caio Cesar for a curling finish into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Phi Minh Long with no chance.
The 30-year-old Caio Cesar joined Nam Dinh mid-season last year but only managed one goal in 14 appearances. This season, he has already found the net twice in two V-League matches.
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Caio Cesar celebrates his goal for Nam Dinh. Photo: *Quang Duong* |
PVF-CAND (PVF-Cong An Nhan Dan) was founded in 2018 under the name Pho Hien and is based in Van Giang, Hung Yen. The team comprises mostly players who graduated from the PVF (Vietnam Football Talent and Development Investment Fund) academy. Following Quang Nam's withdrawal from this season's V-League, PVF-CAND was promoted from the second division (V-League 2).
Hoang An
