Ho Chi Minh City, 16 August, 2025 – Striker Nguyen Tien Linh marked his debut in sensational fashion, scoring the fastest goal of the 2025-2026 V.League 1 season to inspire Ho Chi Minh City Police FC to a 2-1 victory over six-time champions Hanoi FC at Thong Nhat Stadium on August 16.
This match also marked the historic return of the Ho Chi Minh City Police FC brand to Vietnam’s top-flight after 24 years. The club last appeared in the V.League under the Ho Chi Minh City Police FC name in the 2000-2001 season before being rebranded as Dong A Bank. Reviving the name for the new campaign, the club built its foundation on Ho Chi Minh City FC while undergoing significant restructuring. A key move was appointing coach Le Huynh Duc, a legendary figure once closely associated with the Ho Chi Minh City Police FC identity. Just weeks before kickoff, the club also secured the marquee signing of national team striker Nguyen Tien Linh.
Hanoi FC entered the match as favorites, but the script was torn apart within 90 seconds. Defender Le Quang Hung delivered a precise cross from the right, and Tien Linh rose above Pham Xuan Manh to head home. Not only was it the first goal for Tien Linh in Ho Chi Minh City Police FC colors, but it also set the record as the fastest goal of the new season.
The home side doubled their advantage in the 27th minute. From the left wing, Vo Huy Toan exchanged passes with Mbo Noel before drilling a low left-footed strike across goal. The ball struck the inside of the far post and rolled in, sending the Thong Nhat crowd into raptures.
While the attack grabbed the headlines, Ho Chi Minh City Police FC’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang, played a pivotal role. The Vietnamese-Slovakian shot-stopper denied Pham Tuan Hai from close range in the 13th minute and made another sharp save from Nguyen Hai Long’s shot just before halftime. In the 56th minute, he once again came to the rescue, tipping away Daniel Passira’s curling effort.
Ho Chi Minh City Police FC nearly extended their lead in the 62nd minute when Tien Linh beat defender Adriel Tadeu with a clever turn inside the box, but his shot was saved by Quan Van Chuan. The rebound fell to Endrick, but his effort was cleared off the line by Tadeu.
Hanoi FC came closest in the 67th minute, when veteran Nguyen Van Quyet’s delicate chip rattled the crossbar with Le Giang rooted to the spot. Their breakthrough finally arrived in the 84th minute as substitute Nguyen Van Tung capitalized on a rebound after Le Giang had parried Vu Dinh Hai’s strike.
The visitors pressed for an equalizer in stoppage time, with Van Quyet firing a powerful effort inside the box. However, Le Giang produced another stunning save to preserve the 2-1 scoreline and secure a memorable victory for Ho Chi Minh City Police FC on their V.League return.
This result not only delivered a dream start for coach Le Huynh Duc and his squad but also signaled that Ho Chi Minh City Police FC, buoyed by the presence of Nguyen Tien Linh, are ready to challenge the established giants in the 2025-2026 campaign.
Huu Phuong
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