Hanoi, 12 April 2026 – Center-back Nguyen Thanh Chung avoided a red card thanks to VAR in Hanoi FC’s 3-0 win over Ha Tinh in Round 18 of the V.League 2025–2026 on Saturday night.
In first-half stoppage time, Nguyen Thanh Chung pushed Charles Atshimene just outside the penalty area, denying a clear one-on-one opportunity. Referee Ngo Duy Lan immediately showed a straight red card for denying a goal-scoring chance.
However, after consulting VAR and reviewing the footage, the referee overturned the decision. He determined that the ball had previously hit Joseph Onoja’s hand, which led to Ha Tinh’s counterattack and ultimately resulted in the foul by Thanh Chung.
Avoiding a dismissal gave Hanoi FC greater confidence at Hang Day Stadium, although they had an early scare when Nguyen Duc Viet struck the left post.
Duc Viet later sparked a confrontation in the 19th minute. After a challenge with Hai Long, the Ha Tinh midfielder appeared to swing an elbow backward but missed. Believing it was intentional, Hai Long reacted angrily by pushing him, while Pham Xuan Manh grabbed his shirt. The situation was quickly calmed, and both sides settled down.
In the 25th minute, Hanoi FC took the lead from a well-worked corner on the right. Do Hoang Hen combined with teammates before delivering a curling cross to the far post, where Pham Xuan Manh headed home with a bouncing effort. The move resembled a similar play involving Nguyen Quang Hai in Vietnam’s 3-0 friendly win over Bangladesh on March 26.
In the second half, Hanoi FC controlled the game more effectively. Attacking movements from Do Hoang and Nguyen Hai Long consistently troubled the visitors.
In the 67th minute, the hosts doubled their lead with a smooth passing sequence inside the box. Hai Long drove down the right flank before setting up Daniel Passira, who laid the ball off for Hoang Hen. The naturalized player feinted a shot to deceive the goalkeeper and defenders before calmly finishing into an empty net.
Five minutes later, the same trio combined again, this time from the left. Hoang Hen crossed for Hai Long, who composed himself before delivering a left-footed pass to the far post, allowing Passira to head into an open goal.
The victory lifts Hanoi FC to 30 points, solidifying their fourth-place position. Ha Tinh remain ninth with 20 points, eight clear of bottom side Da Nang.
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