Hoang Anh Gia Lai fall 1-3 to Hanoi Police FC despite early lead

Hanoi, April 12, 2025 – Hoang Anh Gia Lai took an early lead but crumbled to a 3-1 defeat against Hanoi Police FC in Round 18 of the V-League 2024-2025 at Hang Day Stadium on April 12. Despite their 4-0 rout of Binh Duong last round, Hoang Anh Gia Lai faltered without key players, while Hanoi Police FC capitalized to climb the table.

Visiting Hang Day, Hoang Anh Gia Lai missed national team defender Pham Ly Duc, sidelined by injury, with 18-year-old Dinh Quang Kiet stepping in. Midfielder Marciel was also absent, serving a suspension, replaced by Le Huu Phuoc. Hanoi Police FC lacked star striker Leo Artur, who has eight goals this season. Undeterred, Hoang Anh Gia Lai struck first in the 4th minute. Left-back Phan Du Hoc surged down the flank, cut inside, and crossed for Washington Brandao to head into the near corner, catching goalkeeper Nguyen Filip flat-footed.

Heavy rain disrupted both teams’ rhythm, particularly Hanoi Police FC’s intricate passing game. They leveled in the 23rd minute when, from a 25-meter free kick, everyone expected Nguyen Quang Hai—celebrating his birthday—to shoot. Instead, Le Van Do curled a surprise effort over the wall and into the far corner for 1-1. Hanoi Police FC grew dominant, with Alan and Quang Hai testing Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s 22-year-old keeper Tran Trung Kien, who stood firm. Hoang Anh Gia Lai nearly retook the lead when Le Huu Phuoc’s close-range blast hit Nguyen Filip’s body.

Hanoi Police FC exploded after halftime. Seconds into the second half, Alan’s clever flick set up Phan Van Duc to smash past Trung Kien, making it 2-1. Coach Mano Polking’s side pressed relentlessly, though Quang Hai, Van Do, and Alan squandered chances. In the 69th minute, Vital beat Trung Kien, only for Le Van Son to clear off the line. Hoang Anh Gia Lai, missing Marciel and Tran Bao Toan, struggled to respond—Tran Minh Vuong’s long-range effort, wide of the post, was their best second-half chance.

Hanoi Police FC sealed it in the 93rd minute. Nguyen Van Vinh latched onto a swift counter, slotting past Trung Kien for 3-1. The win lifts Hanoi Police FC to fourth with 28 points, while Hoang Anh Gia Lai stays eighth with 21. “I’m thrilled we hit our target,” Quang Hai said. “Despite conceding early, we believed we’d turn it around and took our chances to finish them off.”