Hanoi, 27 November 2025 – A 90th-minute strike from Nguyen Dinh Bac completed a thrilling comeback to lift Hanoi Police FC past Beijing Guoan 2–1, securing early qualification from Group E of the AFC Champions League Two 2025–2026.
Hanoi Police FC earned a dramatic and emotional 2–1 victory over Beijing Guoan on the evening of 27 November at Hang Day Stadium, thanks to a decisive 90th-minute goal from Nguyen Dinh Bac. The win propelled the Vietnamese club to second place in Group E with eight points, enough to officially secure a spot in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League Two 2025–2026.
Earlier in the day, Macarthur FC defeated Hong Kong Taipo 2–1 to move to 10 points and claim the group’s first qualifying ticket. That result set up a virtual “final” between Hanoi Police FC and Beijing Guoan, who entered the match tied on five points. The stakes were simple: the winner would advance.
However, the home side endured an early setback. In the sixth minute, Leo Artur curled a shot off the right post. Just five minutes later, under pressure following a back-pass from Nguyen Quang Hai, goalkeeper Nguyen Filip attempted a clearance but struck the ball into Lin Liangming, watching helplessly as it ricocheted into the net. It was Filip’s third costly mistake in continental competition this season, adding pressure to the hosts during a tense first half.
Hanoi Police FC were handed a lifeline in the 26th minute when referee Ahmed Saad awarded a penalty for a handball by Jiang Wenhao. The Beijing players protested fiercely and Jiang even pulled his shirt to show a dirt mark where the ball had supposedly hit his chest, but the decision stood. Yet Leo Artur’s low shot from the spot was read perfectly by goalkeeper Zhang Jianzhi, who smothered the attempt to preserve Beijing’s lead.
The breakthrough for the home side finally came in the second half after HLV Mano Polking introduced Nguyen Dinh Bac, a change that immediately energised the attack. Hanoi Police FC pushed the tempo, with Quang Hai and Vitao both threatening early in the half. The visitors responded with quick counter-attacks, but Filip redeemed himself with two crucial saves against Fang Hao and Zhang Yuning.
The turning point arrived in the 76th minute when a clearance from Fang Hao struck Stefan Mauk and ricocheted into Beijing’s net, gifting Hanoi Police FC a fortunate equaliser. The goal shifted the momentum entirely to the Vietnamese side, who surged forward in search of a winner.
In the 88th minute, Quang Hai unleashed a left-footed volley that forced Zhang into an outstanding save. But the decisive moment came two minutes later. From the right flank, Mauk delivered a precise cross to the far post, where Leo Artur volleyed the ball across the six-yard box for Nguyen Dinh Bac to tap in from close range, sealing a dramatic 2–1 turnaround. Hang Day erupted as players and fans celebrated wildly, with Dinh Bac sprinting toward the stands alongside coach Polking to share the moment.
Tensions flared moments later as Cao Yongjing shoved Rogerio Alves after a foul near the touchline, sparking a confrontation. Fortunately, the situation did not escalate thanks to the intervention of other players. After consulting with his assistants, referee Saad issued a straight red card to Cao and booked both Wang Gang and Alves.
Despite the heated ending, Hanoi Police FC held firm to secure the victory. With the head-to-head advantage over Beijing, the Vietnamese champions are guaranteed to progress regardless of the final matchday.
In the final group fixture on 4 December, Hanoi Police FC must defeat Taipo and hope Beijing defeat Macarthur in order to claim top spot. If the Australian side earn at least a draw, they will remain group winners due to their superior head-to-head record against Hanoi Police FC.
Huyen Trang
Leave a Reply