Shanghai, 27 Oct 2026 – Cong An Ha Noi FC secured their first victory in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 with a dramatic 3-2 away win over Shanghai Port on October 27, as Brayan Perea scored twice and Leo Artur added another in a thrilling five-goal encounter in China.
After suffering defeats in their opening two league-stage matches, Cong An Ha Noi FC entered the third round determined to collect their first points. Despite playing away from home, Alexandre Polking’s side made a confident start, showing composure in possession and combining effectively through the centre and along both flanks.
Shanghai Port attempted to disrupt the visitors with aggressive high pressing, but the Vietnamese side initially handled the pressure well. The hosts gradually gained momentum as the first half progressed, pushing more players forward and forcing Cong An Ha Noi FC to defend deeper.
However, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a well-executed counterattack. Stefan Mauk released Leo Artur with a precise through ball, and the Brazilian squared it for Brayan Perea to finish into an empty net.
Shanghai Port responded shortly before halftime. In the 44th minute, Ampem’s long-range effort took a deflection off Frans Putros, wrong-footing goalkeeper Nguyen Filip and bringing the hosts level at 1-1. Cong An Ha Noi FC regained the lead just four minutes after the restart. This time, Perea turned provider, setting up Leo Artur, who displayed excellent close control before firing a shot into the near corner in the 49th minute.
The advantage lasted only 11 minutes. Shanghai Port equalised again in the 60th minute when Campos produced a superb free kick from approximately 25 metres, leaving Nguyen Filip unable to prevent the score from becoming 2-2. With both teams pushing for a winner, the match developed into an increasingly open contest.
In the 69th minute, Leo Artur surged down the left flank and delivered a low cross for Perea to score his second goal, restoring Cong An Ha Noi FC’s lead for the third time. Shanghai Port then launched another attacking response and were handed a golden opportunity to equalise when they received a penalty in the 75th minute.
Nguyen Filip initially saved Leonardo’s spot kick, but a VAR review ruled that the goalkeeper had moved off his line too early, requiring the penalty to be retaken. Mateus Vital stepped up for the second attempt but struck the post, allowing Cong An Ha Noi FC to preserve their narrow advantage. The Chinese side continued to apply heavy pressure in the closing stages, searching desperately for a third equaliser. However, Polking’s players remained disciplined and defended resolutely to protect their lead.
The final whistle confirmed a memorable 3-2 victory for Cong An Ha Noi FC, ending their two-match losing start to the AFC Champions League Elite campaign.
The result was particularly significant given the opposition and the demanding circumstances of an away fixture in China. Cong An Ha Noi FC demonstrated their attacking efficiency, scoring three times through quick transitions while overcoming repeated setbacks. Perea finished with two goals and an assist, while Leo Artur contributed one goal and two assists, playing a decisive role in all three of the visitors’ goals.
For Polking, the victory delivered the response he had demanded before the match, when he emphasised the importance of representing Vietnamese football with determination and securing the club’s first points. Cong An Ha Noi FC now have three points from three league-stage matches, providing renewed confidence as they continue their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 campaign.
VSN/RPT
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