Hanoi, 18 October 2025 – Despite a promising performance under new coach Harry Kewell, Hanoi FC suffered a 1-2 defeat to unbeaten Ninh Binh at Hang Day Stadium on October 18, as defensive errors from corner situations overshadowed their attacking display.
The much-anticipated debut of coach Harry Kewell marked the beginning of a new chapter for Hanoi FC, but the evening ended in disappointment as the capital side were undone by two set-piece goals in a 1-2 home defeat to Ninh Binh in Round 7 of the V.League 1 2025–2026 season.
Newly naturalized midfielder Do Hoang Hen (formerly Brazilian-born Hendrio Araujo) made his first appearance since obtaining Vietnamese citizenship, starting in the attacking midfield role alongside Daniel Passira, Fernando, and Nguyen Hai Long. Both Nguyen Van Quyet and Pham Tuan Hai began the game on the bench. Under Kewell’s direction, Hanoi FC showcased sharper passing combinations and quick attacking transitions, but were repeatedly denied by the brilliance of goalkeeper Dang Van Lam.
The hosts dominated the first half and created several clear chances. In the 22nd minute, Hai Long’s low cross found Daniel Passira, whose two quick shots were both stopped by Van Lam. Shortly after, Fernando’s header from close range flew over the bar. The crossbar also came to Ninh Binh’s rescue when Hai Long’s curling effort from just outside the box struck the post. The young midfielder continued to be unlucky, as his powerful free-kick from 24 meters in the second half was again parried away by Van Lam.
However, Hanoi’s intensity dropped early in the second half. After two warning runs from Nguyen Hoang Duc, Ninh Binh capitalized on Hanoi’s defensive frailties from corner kicks. In the 68th minute, Hoang Duc delivered a perfect cross from the left, allowing Daniel dos Anjos to head home powerfully for 1-0 — his fifth assist of the season. Twelve minutes later, Hoang Duc again took a corner from the same spot; the ball rebounded to Nguyen Quoc Viet, who volleyed first-time into the top corner to double Ninh Binh’s lead. Cameras caught Vietnam national coach Kim Sang Sik smiling approvingly in the stands.
Ironically, both goals came just after Hanoi had made all five substitutions, introducing Van Quyet, Tuan Hai, Le Xuan Tu, Dau Van Toan, and Tran Van Thang in a bid to turn the game around. The changes paid off momentarily in the 83rd minute when Le Xuan Tu pounced on a rebound to pull one back after Van Quyet had struck the post and Passira missed from close range.
The home side piled on the pressure in the final minutes, with Van Quyet again orchestrating attacks. In the 87th minute, he combined with Dau Van Toan, whose thunderous shot from inside the box rattled the crossbar. Despite relentless efforts, Hanoi could not find an equalizer during six minutes of stoppage time.
The match ended in controversy as Hanoi players protested referee Ngo Duy Lan’s decision not to extend additional time after a VAR review for a potential red card. Tempers flared briefly during post-match handshakes, though tensions were quickly diffused.
The result leaves Ninh Binh at the top of the V.League 1 standings with 17 points, maintaining their unbeaten run. Hanoi Police FC sit second with 14 points and one game in hand, while Hanoi FC, despite signs of improvement under Kewell, remain nine points adrift of the league leaders.
For Harry Kewell, the debut was a mix of optimism and frustration — his team showed fluid attacking play but were once again punished for defensive lapses, something the Australian coach will need to address quickly if Hanoi are to revive their title hopes this season.
VSN collaborator writer
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