Thanh Hoa, 2 October 2025 – Thanh Hoa FC’s search for a first victory in the 2025/26 V.League 1 season continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Becamex Ho Chi Minh City in round six, played earlier today.
Before the season kicked off, few would have predicted that both Thanh Hoa and Becamex Ho Chi Minh City would find themselves struggling at the bottom end of the table. Thanh Hoa remain without a win after six rounds, while Becamex Ho Chi Minh City have managed just one victory from their opening fixtures. A disastrous run of four consecutive defeats earlier this season even forced head coach Nguyen Anh Duc to step down, with Dang Tran Chinh appointed as his replacement.
The managerial change appeared to bring a temporary boost to Becamex Ho Chi Minh City. In the previous round, striker Oduenyi opened the scoring against Da Nang, and once again the Nigerian forward showed his sharpness in front of goal. In the 16th minute, he fired a powerful strike past goalkeeper Y Eli Nie to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at Thanh Hoa Stadium.
The early setback spurred Thanh Hoa into action. Spearheaded by Nguyen Thai Son, the home side began to dominate possession and pushed forward aggressively. Their efforts were rewarded just five minutes later when central defender Pape Mbodj joined the attack during a set-piece and rose highest to head home the equalizer, bringing relief to the home supporters.
In the second half, Thanh Hoa looked the stronger side and created several chances to seal their first win of the campaign. However, their finishing once again proved wasteful. Rimario Gordon and Nguyen Van Tung both missed clear opportunities, with the latter striking the post in the 68th minute in what could have been the decisive goal.
Becamex Ho Chi Minh City also tried to respond but their attacking play lacked imagination. Too often their forward passes were predictable and failed to trouble the Thanh Hoa defense. Without creative supply in the final third, their strikers were left isolated.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw that left both sides frustrated. Thanh Hoa, under head coach Choi Won-kwon, remain winless after six rounds with just three points, sitting near the bottom of the standings. The continued poor form has raised serious questions about the future of the South Korean coach, whose position is now under mounting pressure.
For Becamex Ho Chi Minh City, the change on the bench has yet to translate into results. With only four points so far, the club stays rooted in the relegation zone. While the improvement in morale is visible, the team must quickly find a way to turn competitive performances into victories if they are to climb out of danger.
Phuong Nga
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