Hanoi, 30 August 2026 – Hanoi Police FC produced a dominant performance to thrash Ho Chi Minh City Police FC 5-0 in the 2025/26 National Super Cup at Hang Day Stadium on August 30, securing the trophy for the second consecutive season.
The traditional season-opening clash brought together the winners of Vietnam’s two major domestic competitions. Hanoi Police FC entered as V.League 1 champions, while Ho Chi Minh City Police earned their place after lifting the National Cup.
However, the gulf between the two sides quickly became apparent.
Hanoi Police FC arrived with a settled core that had been further strengthened by several high-profile additions, including Frans Putros, who represented Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Koko Perea.
Ho Chi Minh City Police, meanwhile, are still rebuilding their squad under newly appointed Australian head coach Arthur Diles.
Alexandre Polking’s side immediately imposed their possession-based style, combining quickly and confidently across the pitch. New signing Perea looked particularly dangerous and appeared to have already developed an impressive understanding with Alan Grafite and Leo Artur.
The breakthrough arrived after only eight minutes.
Cao Pendant Quang Vinh accelerated past his marker down the flank before delivering an inviting cross into the penalty area. Grafite met it with a powerful downward header into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang with little chance.
Le Giang had recently played a major role in Vietnam’s ASEAN Cup 2026 triumph, recording six clean sheets during the tournament, but his return to club football proved considerably more difficult as the defense in front of him struggled to contain Hanoi Police FC’s attacking movement.
The V.League champions doubled their advantage in the 27th minute. Leo Artur’s cross from the left was poorly cleared by the Ho Chi Minh City Police defense, with the ball falling perfectly for Alan Grafite. The reigning V.League top scorer reacted immediately and produced an excellent left-footed finish to make it 2-0.
Ho Chi Minh City Police did not create their first clear opportunity until the 45th minute. Williams Minh Hoang made an intelligent run and cut inside Kevin Pham Ba, but the 2007-born forward curled his effort narrowly wide.
Three minutes later, Hanoi Police FC effectively ended the contest before halftime.
Grafite slipped a well-weighted through ball into the path of Koko Perea, who raced beyond two defenders, rounded Le Giang and calmly finished into an empty net for his team’s third goal.
Remarkably, Hanoi Police FC had built their commanding halftime advantage without Nguyen Quang Hai or Nguyen Dinh Bac, who both started on the bench following their involvement in Vietnam’s ASEAN Cup campaign. Thanh Long and Bui Hoang Viet Anh were the only Vietnam internationals in Polking’s starting lineup.
Dinh Bac Makes Immediate Impact
With the result virtually secured, Hanoi Police FC reduced the tempo after the interval and focused on controlling possession and conserving energy.
Squad management will be particularly important this season, with Polking’s team competing across four competitions: V.League 1, the National Cup, ASEAN Club Championship and AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27.
Despite playing at a lower intensity, Hanoi Police FC remained firmly in control. Ho Chi Minh City Police enjoyed more possession than in the opening half but were unable to seriously threaten Nguyen Filip’s goal.
Polking eventually introduced Quang Hai and Dinh Bac in the second half, giving the two internationals an opportunity to regain their rhythm at club level.
Dinh Bac needed little time to make his presence felt.
In the 69th minute, the 2004-born forward timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and race through on goal. He sold Le Giang a clever feint before firing powerfully into the exposed net to extend the lead to 4-0.
Three minutes later, the rout was complete.
Ho Chi Minh City Police’s defense allowed Frans Putros far too much space inside the penalty area, and the defender took full advantage, meeting the delivery with a well-directed header past Le Giang to make it 5-0.
There was no way back for Diles’ side as Hanoi Police FC comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.
The emphatic victory handed Hanoi Police FC their second consecutive National Super Cup, providing the V.League 1 champions with a perfect start to the 2026/27 season.
More importantly, the manner of the victory offered an early indication of the considerable depth available to Polking as Hanoi Police FC prepare to compete both domestically and on the continental stage.
VSN/RPT
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