Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory for Ninh Binh over home team Khanh Hoa in the opening round of Vietnam’s 2024-2025 First Division on October 26.
In the 87th minute, Hoang Duc rose high to meet a cross from the left wing, directing a powerful header into the far corner past goalkeeper Vo Ngoc Cuong. In celebration, the Ninh Binh captain removed his jersey, accepting a yellow card from referee Dang Quoc Dung for the gesture. This decisive goal not only clinched three points for Ninh Binh in their opening match but also alleviated some of the pressure on Hoang Duc. The 1998-born star has faced criticism for his move from Viettel (formerly The Cong) to Ninh Binh, with some suggesting he prioritized financial gain over competition in the top-tier V-League.
The matchup between Ninh Binh and Khanh Hoa also highlighted the contrasting economic realities of the two teams. Ninh Binh has been an active player in the transfer market, assembling a “dream team” that includes high-profile signings like goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, defender Do Thanh Thinh, Hoang Duc himself, and striker Nguyen Quoc Viet. On the other hand, Khanh Hoa’s financial struggles nearly forced them out of the league, with funding secured only shortly before the season began. Once a regular contender in Vietnamese football, Khanh Hoa has grappled with severe financial challenges, leading to relegation and even the threat of dissolution.
Despite these financial hurdles, Khanh Hoa played with tenacity on their home turf, making it difficult for the high-budget Ninh Binh to break through. Head coach Nguyen Viet Thang appeared visibly anxious as his squad struggled to find a way through Khanh Hoa’s resilient defense. But Hoang Duc’s timely brilliance helped Ninh Binh secure their first win and set a positive tone for the season.
Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam also played a crucial role, executing several critical saves to preserve the clean sheet. One notable moment came when the Vietnamese-Russian star blocked a powerful long-range shot from the opponent and quickly rose to deny two successive rebound attempts from Le Ngoc Hai.
With this win, Ninh Binh now leads the First Division standings. In their next fixture, they will return home to face Long An on November 3, giving their fans a chance to see their new lineup in action as they aim for promotion to the V-League.
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