* Goals: Trong Bao 20’, 49’ - Hai Duc 2’, 8’, Geovane 65’, Hoang Duc 87’

Phu Tho, a newly formed club, is a collaboration between two first division clubs, Gia Dinh FC from Ho Chi Minh City and Hoa Binh FC. They share the same sponsor as V-League champions Nam Dinh. Despite being a new team, Phu Tho entered the National Cup with determination, aiming to qualify for the V-League next season.

However, they faced Ninh Binh, a team in top form. Coached by Gerard Albadalejo, Ninh Binh is currently the only undefeated team in the V-League after three matches and had the advantage of fielding foreign player Geovane Magno.

Nguyen Hoang Duc (right) scores Ninh Binh's fourth goal in their 4-2 victory against Phu Tho in the National Cup qualifiers at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho on 13/9/2025. Photo: Ninh Binh FC

Nguyen Hoang Duc (right) scores Ninh Binh's fourth goal in their 4-2 victory against Phu Tho in the National Cup qualifiers at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho on 13/9/2025. Photo: Ninh Binh FC

It took Ninh Binh only eight minutes to establish their dominance. In the 2nd minute, Le Ngoc Bao delivered a cross from the left wing to Le Hai Duc, who headed the ball into the net. Six minutes later, Hoang Duc's corner kick from the right found Hai Duc again for his second goal.

While it seemed Ninh Binh was headed for an easy victory, Phu Tho mounted a comeback. In the 20th minute, Nguyen Trong Bao capitalized on a defensive error by Hai Duc, curling a left-footed shot to narrow the gap. Then, in the 49th minute, Tran Hoang Son's cross from the left found Trong Bao, who controlled the ball with his right foot before volleying it in with his left to equalize.

In the 54th minute, coach Albadalejo substituted Chau Ngoc Quang and Nguyen Quoc Viet to revitalize the attack. The pressure on Phu Tho's goal intensified, with goalkeeper Anh Tuan making two crucial saves from headers in the 63rd minute.

Despite Phu Tho's resilience, Ninh Binh regained the lead in the 65th minute. Hoang Duc passed to Quoc Viet, who delivered a low cross near the penalty area. Geovane Magno controlled the ball with his thigh and volleyed it into the right corner of the net. The final score was set at 4-2 in the 87th minute when Hoang Duc's long-range shot deflected off a defender and found its way into the goal, marking his first goal of the season.

HAGL (in green) defeated Thanh Hoa 1-0 in the National Cup qualifiers at Thanh Hoa Stadium on 13/9/2025. Photo: VPF

HAGL (in green) defeated Thanh Hoa 1-0 in the National Cup qualifiers at Thanh Hoa Stadium on 13/9/2025. Photo: VPF

In a simultaneous match, HAGL secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Thanh Hoa. In the 61st minute, 2008-born striker Tran Gia Bao executed a clever backheel flick to bypass a defender before scoring with a right-footed shot into the far corner.

The two earlier qualifying matches saw victories for the home teams. Ho Chi Minh City FC defeated Dong Thap 1-0, while Long An drew 1-1 with Quy Nhon United before winning 3-1 on penalties.

In the round of 16, Ninh Binh will face Hai Phong away, while HAGL will play PVF-CAND. Long An will face Nam Dinh, and Ho Chi Minh City FC will play Cong An Ho Chi Minh City.

Starting Lineups:

Phu Tho: Anh Tuan, Vo Tien Thang, Van Viet, Ho Long Vu, Trinh Van Quang, Huynh The Hieu, Hoang Duy, Vo Ngoc Tinh, Tran Hoang Son, Trong Bao, Duong Vu Linh

Ninh Binh: Quang The Tai, Do Thanh Thinh, Tran Bao Toan, Le Ngoc Bao, Le Hai Duc, Duc Chien, Hoang Duc, Trong Long, Mach Ngoc Ha, Geovane Magno, Pham Gia Hung.

Hieu Luong