*Goals: Gia Hung 35', Thanh Trung 38', Van Thuan 61'.

Ninh Binh secured strong results despite Nguyen Hoang Duc's absence due to injury following the national team call-up in late March. The team benefited from the performance of its U23 players, notably Le Van Thuan. Their schedule from rounds 17 to 19 was also favorable, as they faced HAGL, Becamex TP HCM, and PVF-CAND, all teams struggling to avoid relegation.

Following two 2-1 away victories, Ninh Binh returned home to face PVF-CAND, marking the debut of South Korean coach Bae Ji-won. The home side struggled in the first 30 minutes and nearly conceded a goal in the 23rd minute when Dung Quang Nho lost possession. Joseph Mpande advanced into the box, but his shot was directly saved by Dang Van Lam.

Ninh Binh midfielder Tran Thanh Trung (third from left) scored the second goal in the 3-0 victory against PVF-CAND in V-League 2025-2026 round 19, at Ninh Binh Stadium on 18/4. *Photo: Ninh Binh FC*

Against the run of play, Ninh Binh opened the scoring in the 35th minute. Geovane Magno intercepted the ball and quickly passed it near the penalty area. Pham Gia Hung controlled, shifted right, and fired a long-range shot that curled into the right corner, leaving goalkeeper Phi Minh Long helpless. Three minutes later, Ninh Binh exploited another counter-attack. Truong Tien Anh advanced near the 18-yard box and passed to Tran Thanh Trung. The Bulgarian-Vietnamese player, born in 2005, calmly slotted the ball into the right corner, doubling their lead.

In the second half, PVF-CAND started strongly again, but missed two chances in the 59th minute. Thai Ba Dat's long-range shot struck the right post. Moments later, after Ninh Binh lost possession from a throw-in, Joseph Mpande set up Vo Anh Quan, who found the net, only for the goal to be ruled offside.

A minute later, Ninh Binh launched another counter-attack, capitalizing on Nguyen Xuan Bac's injury that left the visitors temporarily a man down. Imoh Friday drove into the box on the left flank after a pass from Geovane, then delivered a precise cross for Le Van Thuan to score with a close-range backheel, securing the 3-0 scoreline.

This marked the third consecutive match the midfielder, born in 2006, scored. He netted the decisive goals in the two prior games, earning his team three points each time.

These three consecutive victories propelled Ninh Binh to 37 points, consolidating their third-place standing. The team remains in pursuit of The Cong and Cong an Ha Noi, who are one and eight points ahead respectively, though Ninh Binh has played one more match.

Significant challenges await new coach Bae Ji-won. From rounds 20 to 22, Ninh Binh will face three formidable top-tier opponents: Ha Noi FC on 24/4, The Cong on 3/5, and Hai Phong on 9/5.

Starting Lineup

Ninh Binh: Dang Van Lam, Do Thanh Thinh, Patrick Marcelino, Truong Tien Anh, Dung Quang Nho, Duc Chien, Trong Long, Tran Thanh Trung, Geovane Magno, Pham Gia Hung, Quoc Viet

PVF-CAND: Phi Minh Long, Pham Ly Duc, Vo Anh Quan, Dao Van Chuong, Lucas Turci, Joseph Mpande, Thanh Nhan, Xuan Bac, Truong Van Thai Quy, Thai Ba Dat, Anh Tuan.

Hieu Luong