Hanoi, 13 September, 2025 – Captain Nguyen Quang Hai delivered a superb long-range strike and played a key role in a second goal as Hanoi Police FC defeated Hai Phong 2-1 in a rescheduled Round 9 fixture of the V.League 1 – 2025/26 season. The victory lifted the capital club to the top of the standings.
The match was brought forward, alongside Nam Dinh’s clash with Ho Chi Minh City Police FC, to accommodate the continental schedules of both Hanoi Police FC and Nam Dinh. Despite dominating possession, Hanoi Police FC struggled for over an hour to break through Hai Phong’s disciplined defensive setup.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 64th minute. A misplaced pass by the visitors near the penalty area fell to Quang Hai, who curled a precise left-footed shot off the inside of the post to open the scoring. Six minutes later, the Vietnam international again sparked danger, releasing the ball to Nguyen Dinh Bac on the left. Dinh Bac’s cross found Leonardo Artur, who controlled before firing a clinical right-footed finish into the bottom corner for 2-0.
Hai Phong, though largely on the defensive, had their chances throughout. In the 26th minute, Luiz Antonio’s tight-angle shot tested goalkeeper Filip Nguyen, who needed two attempts to claim the ball. Minutes later, a poor clearance from Filip handed Hoang Huu Nam an opportunity, but his long-range strike clipped the top of the net. Fred Friday also came close before halftime, twisting past a defender before seeing his low shot denied by Filip’s outstretched leg.
Hanoi Police FC pressed for goals early in the second half, but the absence of top scorer Alan Sebastiao — the league’s leading marksman with five goals — limited their cutting edge. Goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu produced two fine saves, first pushing away Artur’s fierce volley from distance, then denying Dinh Bac inside the box.
After doubling their lead, coach Mano Polking’s side slowed the tempo and looked to counter. Nguyen Le Van Do, Dinh Bac and Artur all squandered promising breakaway chances. The missed opportunities nearly proved costly as Hai Phong pushed hard in the final 10 minutes. In the 80th, Pham Trung Hieu volleyed narrowly wide from inside the area. Deep into stoppage time, Friday’s header forced Filip into a diving save, but Bui Tien Dung reacted quickest to smash home the rebound for a late consolation.
The 2-1 win took Hanoi Police FC to 10 points, one ahead of Ninh Binh, though they have played an extra match. Elsewhere, defending champions Nam Dinh were held to a goalless draw by Ho Chi Minh City Police FC. Nguyen Tien Linh almost snatched victory for the hosts in the 49th minute, only to be denied by a superb save from goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh.
Nam Dinh remain in fourth with seven points, level with Ho Chi Minh City Police FC but ahead on goal difference.
Hong Phuc
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