Hanoi, 27 June, 2025 – Defensive blunders from The Cong helped Hanoi Police FC secure a 3-1 win in the semi-final of the 2024-2025 National Cup on the evening of June 26.
Ahead of the match at Hang Day Stadium, The Cong and Hanoi Police FC were fierce rivals in the V-League standings. Hanoi Police FC finished third with 45 points, one more than The Cong. The Cup semi-final offered both teams a chance to vie for their only potential silverware this season.
Coach Velizar Popov, who led Thanh Hoa to back-to-back Cup titles in the previous two seasons, endured a frustrating night watching his team’s defensive frailties.
In the 11th minute, goalkeeper Pham Van Phong rushed out of the box but failed to properly clear with a header. Fortunately, no Hanoi Police FC player was quick enough to capitalize. Just four minutes later, Quang Hai delivered a corner from the right that found Hugo Gomes unmarked at the far post. The Brazilian headed powerfully into the bottom right corner to open the scoring.
The Cong’s woes continued. In the 18th minute, center-back Nguyen Minh Tung lost possession while dribbling near the edge of the box. Alan Sebastiao flicked the ball to Quang Hai, who curled a left-footed strike into the top corner. After celebrating with teammates, Quang Hai blew a kiss toward the main stand, dedicating the goal to his family.
The Cong pulled one back in the 37th minute through Nguyen Huu Thang’s close-range finish, but more poor defending cost them again just three minutes later. Minh Tung was muscled off the ball by Alan Sebastiao, who turned and volleyed from outside the box. Though the shot wasn’t especially powerful, Van Phong reacted late, allowing the ball to slip past him for 3-1.
Frustration showed as The Cong players hung their heads while Coach Popov shook his head on the sidelines heading into halftime.
The second half saw The Cong press forward but struggle to break through centrally. Their best chances came from the flanks. In the 67th minute, Le Quoc Nhat Nam slid a pass behind the defense for Truong Tien Anh, who squared across goal, but Pedro Henrique was a step too slow. Later, Tien Anh crossed from the left, and Amarildo’s flick at the near post was just out of reach for Van Khang at the far post.
Meanwhile, Hanoi Police FC created several counterattacking chances through the trio of Artur, Alan, and Quang Hai but failed to convert, leaving the final score at 3-1.
This victory sends Hanoi Police FC to their first National Cup final in 24 years. They previously lost to Cong An TP HCM in the 2000-2001 season and to Cong An Hai Phong in 1995.
Their opponent in the final will be Song Lam Nghe An, who edged out Binh Duong 3-2. The final is scheduled for 6:00 PM on June 29 at Vinh Stadium.
“We’re determined to win this title to close out the season,” said Quang Hai after the match. “We respect Song Lam Nghe An in the final and will give our all to reach our goal.”
This marks Hanoi Police FC’s second final appearance this season. Previously, they drew 5-5 on aggregate against Buriram United in the Shopee Cup before losing 2-3 in the penalty shootout. Coach Mano Polking now has another shot at capturing his first club title and securing a spot in the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Two.
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