Hai Phong, 18 Oct 2026 – Serbian striker Milan Makaric strengthened his position at the top of the V.League 1 2026/27 scoring charts with a brace in Hai Phong FC’s emphatic 5-1 comeback victory over SHB Da Nang on October 17, taking his tally to six goals in just four matches.
Hai Phong FC produced an impressive attacking display at Chi Lang Stadium, recovering from an early setback to claim a convincing away victory in the fourth round of the season. While Makaric continued his remarkable scoring form, Cameroonian forward Joel Tagueu also stole the spotlight with a first-half hat-trick.
The hosts made a promising start when Bryan Ly opened the scoring in the 18th minute. However, their advantage lasted only seven minutes as Tagueu headed home the equaliser for Hai Phong in the 25th minute.
The Cameroonian striker then struck twice more to complete a remarkable hat-trick within 16 minutes, turning the contest around and sending the visitors into a commanding 3-1 lead.
With Hai Phong firmly in control, Makaric took centre stage during the second half. In the 77th minute, the Serbian striker found the net in a move that initially raised questions over a possible offside infringement.
Following a VAR review, the referee allowed the goal to stand, extending Hai Phong’s advantage to 4-1 and effectively ending any hopes of a comeback for the home side.
Makaric was not finished. The 31-year-old added another goal in stoppage time to complete his brace and seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory for the visitors.
The two goals lifted his tally to six in four V.League 1 appearances this season, giving him a two-goal advantage over his nearest challenger in the race for the Golden Boot.
Ninh Binh FC forward Goncalves Silva Lucas Vinicius currently occupies second place with four goals, while three players are tied on three goals each: Nguyen Quang Vinh of Song Lam Nghe An, Daniel Floro da Silva of Hong Linh Ha Tinh and Hai Phong’s Joel Tagueu.
Tagueu’s hat-trick against SHB Da Nang was particularly significant, as it moved him into the chasing group and demonstrated Hai Phong’s attacking strength beyond their leading scorer.
A further group of players have scored twice this season, including Saliou Guindo, Bruno Pereira de Albuquerque, Ezequiel Santos da Silva, Bryan Ly, Jung Andrew Patrick, Ivan Saponjic, Alan Sebastiao Alexandre, Nguyen Tien Linh and Luiz Antonio de Souza Soares.
With a two-goal cushion at the top of the standings, Makaric has established himself as the early frontrunner for the V.League 1 Golden Boot. His consistent finishing has become a major asset for Hai Phong, whose attacking performances have been boosted by the partnership between the Serbian striker and Tagueu.
However, the campaign remains in its early stages, and the competition for the scoring title is far from settled. With Lucas Vinicius and several other forwards already making their mark, the rankings could change quickly as the season progresses.
For now, Makaric’s six-goal haul after just four rounds sets the pace, while Hai Phong’s five-goal performance in Da Nang sends an encouraging message about their attacking potential this season.
VSN/RPT
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