Bangkok, 3 December 2025 – Despite leading early and playing with a one-man advantage for most of the second half, Hanoi Police FC conceded a stoppage-time penalty and were held 1–1 by Buriram United in the third matchday of the ASEAN Club Championship.
Hanoi Police FC were left frustrated after a 1–1 draw against Buriram United on the evening of 3 November, a result that severely complicates their bid to reach the semi-finals of the ASEAN Club Championship. Going into the match, both clubs faced immense pressure in what has been labelled the “group of death,” featuring Hanoi Police FC, Buriram United, BG Pathum United, Selangor, Cebu, and Tampines Rovers. Only two teams progress, and before this round, the gap between the top team (Selangor) and fifth place (Buriram) was only two points.
Understanding the significance of the match, head coach Mano Polking fielded an almost full-strength lineup, including the long-awaited return of left-back Doan Van Hau to the starting eleven. Hanoi Police FC showed their attacking intent immediately after kick-off, pushing the tempo and creating danger around the Buriram penalty area. Their efforts were rewarded early. In the 10th minute, Leo Artur curled a composed finish into the far corner to break the deadlock and give the Vietnamese side a perfect start.
After opening the scoring, Hanoi Police FC adopted a more controlled style, switching to a compact defensive block before launching quick counterattacks through the pace of Alan and Leo Artur. The visitors created at least three more clear chances in the first half, including a golden opportunity in the 20th minute when Alan burst through on goal but his delicate chip lacked power and was saved by goalkeeper Chatchai.
Buriram United, despite holding nearly 60% possession in the first half, were unable to register a single shot on target. Nguyen Filip enjoyed a relatively calm 45 minutes as the Thai champions struggled to break through the disciplined defensive structure of Hanoi Police FC.
The second half followed the same pattern, and the momentum tilted even further in Hanoi Police FC’s favour in the 51st minute. Robert Zulj stomped on China’s foot, earning a straight red card and leaving Buriram with just 10 men. With the numerical advantage, Hanoi Police FC dominated possession, controlling nearly 65% of the ball while continuing to threaten through Leo Artur and Alan. Despite several promising sequences, the second goal never arrived.
Buriram United were toothless in attack after going down to ten players, but football can be cruel. In stoppage time, a moment of misfortune struck Hanoi Police FC. In the first minute of added time, Mauk inadvertently handled the ball inside the penalty area, giving Buriram a lifeline. Bissoli stepped up and calmly sent Filip the wrong way, leveling the match at 1–1.
The draw leaves Hanoi Police FC on 4 points after three matches, sitting fourth in Group A and now facing a difficult path to the semi-finals with two tough fixtures remaining against Tampines Rovers FC and Selangor. Buriram United, with 3 points, remain fifth but stay alive in the race.
For Hanoi Police FC, the result feels like two points lost rather than one gained. After leading early, dominating play, and enjoying a one-man advantage for nearly 40 minutes, dropping points in stoppage time may prove costly in this tightly contested group.
Hong Phuc -Thanh Van
Leave a Reply