Ten-man Nam Dinh stun Ha Tinh with last-gasp winner to secure top spot

Ha Tinh, 6 Nov 2026 – Nam Dinh FC extended their winning streak to four matches with a dramatic 2-1 away victory over Ha Tinh in Round 7 of V.League 1 2026/27 on November 6. Despite playing with ten men for much of the second half, the defending champions secured all three points through a stoppage-time winner from Van Vi, guaranteeing their place at the top of the standings heading into the November international break.

The victory lifted Nam Dinh to 16 points from seven matches, ensuring they would remain league leaders regardless of the results of the remaining Round 7 fixtures. The achievement is particularly significant given the continued absence of star striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who has been sidelined through injury since the opening stages of the season. Under head coach Vu Hong Viet, Nam Dinh have demonstrated their ability to overcome difficult circumstances while maintaining the consistency needed to compete for another domestic title.

Playing away at Ha Tinh Stadium, Nam Dinh made a positive start and took the lead in the 31st minute when Caio Cesar headed home following a well-executed corner-kick routine. The visitors appeared to be in control, but the match changed dramatically in the 56th minute when Nguyen Phong Hong Duy received a straight red card after the referee reviewed the incident using VAR. Reduced to ten players, Nam Dinh were forced to adopt a more defensive approach as Ha Tinh increased their attacking pressure in search of an equaliser.

The home side eventually made their numerical advantage count in the 83rd minute, with Luiz Antonio finding the net to bring the score level at 1-1. Ha Tinh appeared to have rescued a point, but Nam Dinh refused to settle for a draw. Deep into stoppage time, Van Vi struck in the 94th minute to restore the visitors’ lead and complete a remarkable victory. The late goal highlighted Nam Dinh’s determination and ability to capitalise on decisive moments, even when playing under considerable pressure.

The result also underlined the importance of contributions from across Nam Dinh’s squad. Caio Cesar continued to demonstrate his attacking influence with the opening goal, while Van Vi emerged as the match-winner when his team needed him most. Their performances have helped compensate for the absence of Xuan Son, whose injury has deprived Nam Dinh of one of their most influential attacking players. Rather than relying on a single goalscorer, the team have found different ways to create and convert opportunities during their impressive run of results.

Xuan Son has played just 23 minutes in V.League 1 this season, having featured in the opening match against Hoang Anh Gia Lai before suffering an injury during international duty with Vietnam. The striker, who played a major role in Nam Dinh’s previous title-winning campaign, is not expected to return until late November. His absence initially raised concerns about the team’s attacking effectiveness, but the performances of Caio Cesar, Van Vi and other attacking players have provided encouraging evidence of the squad’s depth.

With four consecutive victories and 16 points from seven rounds, Nam Dinh have established an early advantage in the championship race. Their ability to secure results in difficult circumstances, particularly the comeback victory over Ha Tinh while a player short, reflects the resilience and collective discipline that Vu Hong Viet has developed within the squad. The upcoming international break will also provide an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the team’s progress and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Although Xuan Son’s eventual return should give Nam Dinh another significant attacking option, the team’s recent performances suggest they are becoming less dependent on individual brilliance. With several players capable of making decisive contributions, Nam Dinh enter the November FIFA international break as V.League 1 leaders, carrying both momentum and growing confidence in their pursuit of another league title.

VSN/RPT

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