Hai Phong, April 23, 2025 – A bold attacking run by center-back Bui Hoang Viet Anh sparked Hanoi Police FC’s 3-1 comeback victory over Hai Phong FC in the 2024-2025 National Cup quarterfinals at Lach Tray Stadium on April 22. The win, sealed by late heroics, propelled the 2023 V.League champions into the semifinals, despite a depleted forward line.
Hanoi Police FC, coached by Mano Polking, faced a striker crisis with Alan Sebastiao, Leonardo Artur, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Le Van Do sidelined by injuries. Only Nguyen Van Vinh and foreign recruit Thaileon remained as forward options, both unproven. Their fortunes shifted in the 10th minute when Hai Phong FC’s Dang Van Toi was sent off with a straight red—upgraded from a yellow after VAR review—for striking Thaileon’s head in a midfield clash.
Despite the numerical advantage, Hanoi Police FC struggled to break Hai Phong FC’s defense in the first half. Three minutes into the second half, Hai Phong FC stunned the visitors. Imoh Friday outmaneuvered Viet Anh on the left, crossed past Nguyen Filip, and Lucao’s run forced an own goal by Cao Pendant Quang Vinh. Hanoi Police FC responded swiftly. In the 56th minute, Phan Van Duc linked with Quang Vinh, faked a shot to fool Bui Tien Dung, and rifled a near-post rocket to level at 1-1. Quang Vinh nearly doubled the lead a minute later, his header grazing the bar.
Hanoi Police FC’s pressure intensified, with Phan Van Duc, Giap Tuan Duong, and Nguyen Quang Hai missing narrowly between the 65th and 73rd minutes. The breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Viet Anh, pushing forward like a striker, latched onto Thaileon’s clever backheel from Quang Hai’s pass. The 1999-born defender blasted a left-footed angled shot past Tran Van Toan for 2-1, echoing The Cong Viettel’s clutch moments. In the 90th minute, Hoang Van Toan sealed the win, rifling a 16-meter strike after Quang Hai’s setup, following his own interception.
The 3-1 result sends Hanoi Police FC to face The Cong Viettel in the semifinals in June at Hang Day Stadium, with Song Lam Nghe An versus Becamex Binh Duong in the other tie. Hanoi Police FC’s first semifinal since 2001-2002 keeps their treble hopes alive—fifth in V.League with 29 points and trailing 0-1 to PSM Makassar in the ASEAN Club Championship semifinals. Hai Phong FC, despite Lucao’s threat, rued missed chances, unlike Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s recent resilience.
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