Ha Tinh, 24 May 2026 – Hanoi Police FC missed the chance to equal Hanoi FC’s record of 20 wins in a V.League 1 season after conceding a dramatic 1-1 equalizer against Hong Linh Ha Tinh deep into stoppage time on May 24.
Having already secured the V.League 1 2025/2026 title three rounds early following a 2-0 victory over Thanh Hoa FC last week, coach Mano Polking rotated heavily and traveled to Ha Tinh with a second-string squad consisting of only 17 players.
Led by Brazilian forwards Leo Artur and Alan Grafite, CAHN started brightly. In the sixth minute, Artur delivered a dangerous low cross that deflected off a Ha Tinh defender and struck the post. Later in the first half, another threatening corner from Artur nearly caused problems before Charles Atshimene cleared the danger.
Despite controlling possession at times, the absence of several key players prevented the champions from maintaining constant pressure. Ha Tinh defended with discipline and avoided major mistakes for most of the match.
The game appeared destined to end goalless before late drama unfolded. In the 89th minute, a cross from Tran Duc Nam into the penalty area forced Vuong Van Huy into an awkward challenge, with the ball eventually striking his hand. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to CAHN. Leo Artur calmly converted from the spot to give the visitors the lead.
However, just when victory seemed secured, former Ha Tinh player Tran Dinh Tien made a costly error in stoppage time. While attempting to control the ball inside the box, he was dispossessed by Joseph Onoja before accidentally tripping the striker. Referee Le Duc Thuan consulted VAR once again and pointed to the spot. Charles Atshimene then converted in the seventh minute of added time to rescue a dramatic 1-1 draw for Ha Tinh.
The result marked CAHN’s fourth draw of the V.League 1 season and denied them an immediate chance to match Hanoi FC’s historic 2018 record. CAHN now have 61 points with 19 wins, 56 goals scored, and a +36 goal difference, while Hanoi’s record season ended with 64 points, 20 victories, 72 goals, and a +42 goal difference. Nevertheless, CAHN still have two matches remaining against Becamex Binh Duong and The Cong Viettel to potentially set new milestones.
Elsewhere, Song Lam Nghe An secured survival with a 1-0 win over Becamex Binh Duong thanks to Ngo Van Luong’s decisive goal. The Nghe An side moved to 27 points, seven clear of 13th-placed Da Nang FC with only two rounds remaining.
Meanwhile at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi FC defeated Nam Dinh FC 2-1, inspired by Brazilian-born naturalized midfielder Do Hoang Hen, who contributed one goal and one assist. It was Hanoi FC’s first V.League victory over Nam Dinh after four defeats and one draw in previous meetings.
The win also lifted Hanoi FC into third place ahead of Ninh Binh FC, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Ho Chi Minh City Police FC. Both clubs now have 45 points, but Hanoi FC hold the advantage on head-to-head record.
Thao Trang
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