The Cong An TP HCM (CATPHCM) brand last appeared in the V-League during the 2000-2001 season. A year later, the team was renamed Ngan hang Dong A. 24 years later, CATPHCM has returned, built upon the foundation of the former TP HCM club.

In preparation for the new season, CATPHCM underwent significant changes, from organizational structure to personnel. The team appointed Le Huynh Duc as head coach, a name synonymous with the CATPHCM brand. Just two weeks before the V-League kicked off, top striker Nguyen Tien Linh also joined the team.

Nguyen Tien Linh celebrates scoring the opening goal for Cong An TP HCM (in red) in their 2-1 victory over Ha Noi FC in the first round of V-League 2025-2026 at Thong Nhat Stadium, TP HCM on 16/8/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

Facing Ha Noi FC, CATPHCM were considered the underdogs. However, a surprise unfolded at Thong Nhat Stadium just 90 seconds into the match. Le Quang Hung delivered a cross from the right wing, finding Nguyen Tien Linh, who outjumped Pham Xuan Manh to head the ball into the net. This was Linh's first goal for his new team and the fastest goal of the V-League 2025-2026 season.

The early lead boosted the home team's defensive confidence. In the 27th minute, they further stunned the six-time V-League champions. From the left wing, Vo Huy Toan exchanged passes with Mbo Noel before unleashing a left-footed shot that struck the inside of the far post and went in.

With a potent attack, CATPHCM's defense was further strengthened by the presence of Patrik Le Giang. The Vietnamese-foreign goalkeeper made crucial saves, denying Pham Tuan Hai in the 13th minute and Hai Long in first-half stoppage time. In the 56th minute, Daniel Passira's close-range effort was also thwarted by Le Giang.

The home team launched a strong counterattack in the 62nd minute. Tien Linh skillfully dribbled past Adriel Tadeu inside the penalty area but his shot was saved by Quan Van Chuan. Endrick's follow-up attempt was blocked by Tadeu on the goal line.

Goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang (number 89) in action during Cong An TP HCM's (in red) 2-1 win against Ha Noi FC in the first round of V-League 2025-2026 at Thong Nhat Stadium, TP HCM on 16/8/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

Luck was also on CATPHCM's side in the 67th minute. Van Quyet's close-range effort grazed the crossbar, leaving Le Giang rooted to the spot.

Ha Noi FC's efforts finally paid off in the 84th minute, following a coordinated play on the left wing involving Van Quyet. Vu Dinh Hai's shot from close range was saved by Patrik Le Giang, but substitute Nguyen Van Tung was on hand to score from the rebound.

The last significant chance came in stoppage time. Center-back Thanh Chung's clever through-ball found Van Quyet, whose powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Le Giang, preserving the 2-1 victory for CATPHCM.

Starting Lineups:

Cong An TP HCM: Patrik Le Giang, Matheus Felipe, Vo Huy Toan, Khong Minh Gia Bao, Le Quang Hung, Endrick, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, Tran Hoang Phuc, Ngo Duc Phu, Mbo Noel, Tien Linh

Ha Noi FC: Quan Van Chuan, Do Duy Manh, Pham Xuan Manh, Adriel Tadeu, Le Van Xuan, Do Hung Dung, Hai Long, Dau Van Toan, Daniel Passira, Van Quyet, Pham Tuan Hai.

Hieu Luong