Ho Chi Minh City, 21 September, 2025 – On the evening of September 21, Bac Ninh FC were unable to claim maximum points in their opening match of the 2025-2026 National First Division, settling for a frustrating 0-0 draw against Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City at Thong Nhat Stadium.
The fixture drew extra attention as it marked the return of former Vietnam national team head coach Park Hang-seo, who was present in the stands as an advisor for Bac Ninh. With the Korean strategist offering his support, Bac Ninh entered the match as heavy favorites thanks to a squad stacked with experienced names across all lines. Their lineup included goalkeeper Huynh Tuan Linh, defender Nguyen Thanh Long, midfielder Nguyen Hai Huy, and striker Ha Duc Chinh. By contrast, Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City fielded a youthful side full of emerging players.
As expected, Bac Ninh dominated possession and dictated the tempo from the outset. However, their attacking combinations lacked cohesion, and the breakthrough failed to come. Their best chance of the first half arrived late when foreign striker Kaina Da Silva unleashed a fierce shot, only to see the ball cannon off the crossbar.
In the second half, head coach Paulo Foiani made changes in an attempt to sharpen the attack. Substitutes Pham Van Thanh and Ngan Van Dai were introduced, adding more urgency to Bac Ninh’s forward play. The northern side created mounting pressure, and early in the half they were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead with a penalty. Yet Da Silva, who had looked dangerous throughout, squandered the chance by blasting his spot kick over the bar.
Despite continuing to press and generating several more efforts on goal, Bac Ninh’s finishing woes persisted. The Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City defense, backed by youthful energy and determination, held firm until the final whistle to secure a valuable point on home soil. For Bac Ninh, it was a disappointing outcome given their superior squad and expectations of a winning start.
In another match played at the same time, Quang Ninh FC traveled to face PVF-CAND Youth. With a squad featuring seasoned campaigners such as Dao Nhat Minh, Thai Ba Sang, Vu Minh Tuan, and Mac Hong Quan, Quang Ninh were tipped to prevail. However, the home side stunned their visitors by snatching a narrow 1-0 victory. Le Thang Long proved to be the hero, rising highest to head home the decisive goal from close range.
The results leave Bac Ninh searching for improvements in the attacking third, while Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City can take encouragement from a disciplined defensive performance. Meanwhile, PVF-CAND Youth celebrated an ideal start to their campaign, underlining the competitive nature of the First Division this season.
Huu Linh
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