Kyle Hudlin first made waves in the 2024-2025 National Super Cup match on 9/8. Despite Nam Dinh losing 2-3 to Cong An Ha Noi, the 2.06-meter tall forward made a strong impression, scoring from his first touch and later converting a penalty.

On Tuesday evening, Nam Dinh played host to Hai Phong in their V-League season opener. Coach Vu Hong Viet opted to start with Mahmoud Eid and Brenner up front, supported by central midfielder Romulo, keeping Hudlin on the bench.

Kyle Hudlin (white jersey) sets up Ly Cong Hoang Anh for the equalizer with a deft knee-touch, as Nam Dinh defeats Hai Phong 2-1 in the first round of V-League 2025-2026 at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh on 16/8/2025. Photo: Quang Duong.

Nam Dinh dominated possession and pressed high, but Hai Phong capitalized on their sole opportunity in the 32nd minute. Bicou Bissainthe played the ball to Pham Trung Hieu on the right flank, whose cross found newcomer Luiz Antonio for a well-placed header into the bottom left corner.

Nam Dinh increased their efforts but struggled to break through Hai Phong's defense. The dynamic shifted when Coach Viet introduced Hudlin and Kevin Pham Ba, replacing Eid and A Mit at the start of the second half.

In the 47th minute, Hudlin delivered a cross from the right, but an unmarked Lam Ti Phong missed the target. Hudlin then missed a similar opportunity in the 55th minute, shooting wide of the left post.

The towering English striker's presence clearly unsettled Hai Phong’s defense. Their discomfort resulted in a mistake in the 68th minute. A Hai Phong defender's clearance deflected off Brenner back towards the penalty area, where Hudlin’s improvised knee touch set up Ly Cong Hoang Anh for a close-range finish to level the score at 1-1.

Kevin Pham Ba celebrates his winning goal for Nam Dinh against Hai Phong in the first round of V-League 2025-2026 at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh on 16/8/2025. Photo: Quang Duong.

In the 88th minute, Nam Dinh launched a long ball towards the penalty area. Brenner shielded the ball from Bui Tien Dung, allowing Hudlin to head it down to Brenner. Brenner controlled the ball and shot towards the bottom right corner. Goalkeeper Dinh Trieu parried the initial shot, but Kevin Pham Ba followed up with a decisive strike that deflected off a defender and found the back of the net.

Referee Nguyen Trung Kien consulted VAR, initially checking for a potential handball by Brenner before reviewing a possible foul on Bui Tien Dung. After 3 minutes, the referee signaled a goal.

Hai Phong, visibly fatigued, couldn't mount a comeback during the nearly 10 minutes of added time, ultimately losing 1-2. Nam Dinh secured 3 points despite a challenging start, compounded by midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh's injury in the 28th minute.

Starting lineups:

Nam Dinh: Tran Nguyen Manh, Dang Van Toi, Duong Thanh Hao, Tran Van Kien, Nguyen Van Vi, Romulo, Tuan Anh, A Mit, Ly Cong Hoang Anh, Brenner, Mahmoud Eid

Hai Phong: Dinh Trieu, Bui Tien Dung, Pham Trung Hieu, Nhat Minh, Le Manh Dung, Luong Hoang Nam, Trieu Viet Hung, Luiz Antonio, Bicou Bissainthe, Joel Tagueu, Xuan Nam.

Hieu Luong