Gia Lai, 31 May 2026 – Coach Harry Kewell criticized the playing style of Hoang Anh Gia Lai after Hanoi FC suffered a dramatic 3-1 comeback defeat in Round 25 of V.League 1 2025/2026.
Playing away at Pleiku Stadium on May 31, Hanoi FC entered the match knowing that a victory would strengthen their grip on a top-three finish. Meanwhile, Hoang Anh Gia Lai only needed a point to mathematically secure their place in next season’s V.League 1.
The visitors made the perfect start when naturalized midfielder Do Hoang Hen opened the scoring in the 41st minute. Hanoi FC continued to create opportunities after the break but failed to extend their advantage.
Their missed chances proved costly as Hoang Anh Gia Lai produced a clinical second-half response, scoring three times to complete a remarkable turnaround and claim a 3-1 victory. The result guaranteed the hosts’ survival, while Hanoi FC slipped to fourth place and saw their hopes of a podium finish significantly weakened.
“Hoang Anh Gia Lai achieved a good result, but I wouldn’t exactly call it football. Nevertheless, congratulations to them,” Kewell said after the match. “We are disappointed because we failed to take our chances and finish the game. They had three opportunities and converted all of them.”
The Australian coach’s comments appeared to reference Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s defensive and counterattacking approach. The hosts looked far more dangerous after 18-year-old forward Tran Gia Bao came on in the 58th minute. Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien also played a key role with a series of impressive saves to deny Pham Tuan Hai, Nguyen Van Quyet, and Do Hoang Hen.
Responding to Kewell’s remarks, Hoang Anh Gia Lai coach Le Quang Trai defended his team’s tactics, arguing that every club must choose an approach suited to its objectives and resources.
He pointed out that Hanoi FC possess one of the strongest and most expensive squads in Vietnam, while Hoang Anh Gia Lai rely heavily on academy graduates and young players.
“Hanoi FC have invested heavily to compete for titles. We mainly use players developed by our own academy, and many of them are still very young. Naturally, we must choose a style that fits the quality of the squad we have,” Le Quang Trai explained.
The match was officiated by Malaysian referee Razlan Joffri Bin Ali and passed without major controversy, with no VAR reviews required. However, Kewell also expressed frustration with the officiating and stated that he hoped not to work with Malaysian referees again, preferring Vietnamese officials instead.
Hanoi FC coach later apologized to the club’s supporters who had traveled to Pleiku, expressing regret for the disappointing result.
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