In a highly anticipated clash today, Binh Duong hosted Ha Tinh in a dramatic fixture that saw a meeting of old rivals and former teammates. The match carried extra significance as Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong, for the first time, faced Coach Nguyen Cong Manh—whom he once served as a deputy—as well as players like Trong Hoang and Duy Thuong, while Binh Duong was led by team captain Nguyen Tien Linh.
Arriving in Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong’s squad, including key players such as Luong Xuan Truong and his teammates, set a clear objective: to secure a point and extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches, keeping their eyes on the record of 16 unbeaten matches previously set by Nam Dinh. However, the home side were determined to claim all three points to leap into the top positions.
Binh Duong created a superior match performance thanks to the dynamism of their domestic attackers Vi Hao, Tien Linh, and Thanh Nhan, with playmaker Minh Khoa orchestrating the midfield. Before Ha Tinh could settle, a moment of misfortune struck for the visitors when a beautifully executed shot by Minh Khoa put Thanh Nhan in a favorable position, forcing Ha Tinh’s defenders into committing a foul inside the penalty area. On the spot, team captain Nguyen Tien Linh, as always, converted the penalty flawlessly, giving Binh Duong a 2–0 advantage by halftime and marking his 101st career goal—an achievement comprising 25 goals for the national team and 76 for Binh Duong.
The turning point of the match came early in the first half at the 21st minute. Defender Ngo Tung Quoc made a surging run into the penalty area, dribbling past two Ha Tinh defenders before delivering a precise cross that allowed Vi Hao to head in the opener. This goal injected confidence into the Binh Duong side and set the tone for the remainder of the game. The momentum continued as Binh Duong’s attacks became increasingly dangerous.
However, Ha Tinh began to show signs of fatigue and dwindling concentration. With forward Mbo forced off the pitch due to injury at the 38th minute, Ha Tinh had to rely on strategic substitutions. In the second half, Coach Thanh Cong brought on Van Long and Quang Nam in place of Xuan Truong and Duy Thuong, yet their impact was limited. Despite creating several chances, Ha Tinh’s pressure finally paid off at the 75th minute when Geovane managed to slip past goalkeeper Minh Toan and score, reducing the deficit to 1–2. The game reached a climax at the 87th minute, as a well-placed cross from Quang Nam left Ha Tinh no option but to equalize 2–2.
This 2–2 draw was a bitter disappointment for Binh Duong, as it cost them the opportunity to climb into the top five, while Ha Tinh’s impressive comeback matched the 13-match unbeaten record set by Ha Noi FC in 2018.
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