The Cong Viettel stun Hanoi Police FC in dramatic shootout to reach National Cup quarterfinals

The Cong advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025–2026 National Cup after overcoming Hanoi Police FC (CAHN) 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout at Hang Day Stadium on the evening of November 23. The two sides drew 2-2 after 90 minutes, but coach Velizar Popov’s players held their nerve better from the spot to eliminate the defending champions.

The penalty shootout showcased a sharp contrast in composure between the two teams. For CAHN, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh and Stefan Mauk both failed to score in the second and fourth rounds with tame efforts easily handled by goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet. Meanwhile, The Cong’s first three takers — Truong Tien Anh, Khuat Van Khang and Dinh Xuan Tien — delivered powerful and precise strikes.

In the fourth round, Wesley Nata thought he had scored with a fierce effort that struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced down toward the line. The referee initially awarded the goal, but VAR overturned the decision, leaving The Cong briefly celebrating before being called back. Tension grew as CAHN desperately clung to hope, with coach Mano Polking pacing restlessly in the technical area.

Le Van Do converted in the fifth round to keep CAHN alive, but the decisive moment arrived moments later. Once again stepping up from the spot, The Cong’s designated specialist beat goalkeeper Nguyen Filip for the second time in the match, sealing the 5-4 victory and sparking wild celebrations. Lucao lifted goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet in joy, while several CAHN players slumped to the ground in disappointment.

This marked CAHN’s second penalty-shootout defeat under Polking, following their loss to Buriram United in the ASEAN Club Championship final. Remarkably, across all professional teams he has managed, Polking has now gone nine consecutive shootouts without a win.

Before the shootout, the match itself witnessed a gripping exchange of momentum. In the 16th minute, Lucao dispossessed Leo Artur and rounded goalkeeper Filip, but centre-back Adou Leygley Minh cleared the effort off the line. Long An nearly punished The Cong moments later when Nguyen Dinh Bac put the ball in the net, only for VAR to confirm an offside after a lengthy review.

CAHN eventually struck first in the 32nd minute when Leo Artur danced past defenders inside the box, setting up Le Van Do for a low finish. The Cong equalised in first-half stoppage time as a corner from the left found Wesley, whose header forced an own goal from Cao Pendant Quang Vinh while attempting to clear.

Early in the second half, CAHN squandered a golden chance when Adou Minh failed to convert from four metres with the goal wide open. They later restored the lead in the 77th minute when Mauk tapped in from close range after a low cross by Rogerio Alves.

However, a turning point arrived just three minutes later. Khuat Van Khang burst into the box but slipped as he prepared to shoot. After VAR review, defender Tran Dinh Trong was judged to have clipped Khang’s foot, denying a clear scoring opportunity, resulting in a straight red card.

The Cong kept pushing. In the 88th minute, Van Khang was brought down in the area by Hugo Gomes. The referee initially booked Khang for simulation, but VAR once again overturned the call, awarding a penalty and giving the yellow card to Gomes instead. Lucao confidently converted to level the score 2-2 and force the shootout.

With the defeat, CAHN relinquish their National Cup title and bow out in the Round of 16. The Cong will face second-division side Bac Ninh in the quarterfinals.

Elsewhere, Ninh Binh came from behind to beat Hai Phong 2-1 at Lach Tray in a match delayed an hour due to lighting issues. Gerard Albadalejo’s side will meet the winner of the PVF-CAND vs Hoang Anh Gia Lai match, scheduled to be completed by January 28, 2026.

The remaining two quarterfinal pairings feature Cong An TP Ho Chi Minh against Dong Nai and Da Nang facing Nam Dinh.