In the sixth minute of stoppage time, with Nam Dinh holding a 1-0 lead, Ha Tinh sent all players, including goalkeeper Nguyen Thanh Tung, forward for a corner. Nam Dinh managed to clear and almost capitalized on a counter-attack, but Percy Tau lost a foot race against the Ha Tinh goalkeeper, squandering a chance to seal the victory. The home side paid dearly moments later.

Ha Tinh launched an attack down the left flank, and Huynh Tan Tai delivered a cross. Vo Quoc Dan's shot from the near post hit the crossbar, but Joao Albertine was perfectly positioned to head in the rebound from close range, securing the equalizer. Ha Tinh players celebrated wildly, while Nam Dinh's squad appeared stunned, having lost a late lead once more.

Naturalized Brazilian striker Nguyen Xuan Son (white jersey) played in Nam Dinh's 1-1 draw with Ha Tinh in round 13 of the V-League 2025-2026, at Thien Truong Stadium in Ninh Binh on 9/2. *Photo: Nam Dinh FC*

In round 12, playing away at Thanh Hoa, Nguyen Xuan Son missed a penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time, leading to a 2-2 draw. This pattern has become common under Portuguese coach Mauro Jeronimo. Four days later, the team also surrendered a lead against Malaysia's Johor Darul Tazim in the 87th minute, drawing after Bergson scored a penalty in the AFF Club Cup.

The most disheartening result was a 0-2 defeat to Thailand's Ratchaburi in the fifth match of AFC Champions League Group F on 27/11/2025. Both goals were conceded in the second and fifth minutes of second-half stoppage time. This loss cost Nam Dinh control of their fate, and despite a 9-0 win against Hong Kong's Eastern in the final group match, they exited the competition. Both teams finished with 9 points and a +7 goal difference, but Nam Dinh had fewer goals scored, 14 compared to 15.

The 1-1 home draw against Ha Tinh at Thien Truong Stadium extended Nam Dinh's V-League 2025-2026 winless run to nine matches, including six draws. The club's hopes for a third consecutive V-League championship are fading, as they sit with only 12 points, 17 points behind league leaders Cong an Ha Noi, having played two additional matches.

Nam Dinh midfielder Percy Tau (white jersey) opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the 1-1 draw against Ha Tinh. *Photo: Nam Dinh FC*

Nam Dinh actually started round 13 well. In the fourth minute, Percy Tau scored the opener, breaking through from the right wing to the edge of the box before curling a left-footed shot into the far corner.

Following the goal, Thanh Tung made a superb save from Lucas Alves' close-range shot in the 15th minute. The left post then denied Tran Van Kien's powerful attempt from a tight angle in the 38th minute. In the 45th minute, with the goalkeeper beaten, Nguyen Van Vi headed wide of an open goal.

In the second half, Nguyen Xuan Son had a goal disallowed in the 54th minute due to Percy Tau being offside in the build-up. The naturalized Brazilian striker also missed a clear chance in the 78th minute, shooting just wide of the post when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

10 minutes later, Nam Dinh benefited from a fortunate VAR decision after the ball struck Caio Cesar's hand in the box. Following a review, referee Nguyen Manh Hai ruled that Helerson was offside before his header led to the handball. Despite being close to victory, Jeronimo's squad ultimately let the win slip, facing the Lunar New Year holiday (Tet Binh Ngo) with disappointment.

Starting Lineups

Nam Dinh: Tran Nguyen Manh, Duong Thanh Hao, Tran Van Kien, Van Vi, Lucas Alves, Hong Duy, Caio Cesar, Tuan Anh, Ly Cong Hoang Anh, Percy Tau, Xuan Son

Ha Tinh: Thanh Tung, Van Hanh, Bui Duy Thuong, Helerson, Manh Hung, Mai Sy Hoang, Le Viktor, Duc Viet, Joseph Onoja, Trong Hoang, Charles Atshimene.

Hieu Luong