
Hanoi, 24 September 2025 – Hanoi Police FC claimed their first three points in the ASEAN Club Championship 2025/2026 after edging Dynamic Herb Cebu 1-0 at Hang Day Stadium on September 24. The decisive goal came in the 89th minute from Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, ensuring head coach Alexandre Polking’s side kept their qualification hopes alive.
While the late winner might suggest fortune was on their side, Polking was quick to reject that narrative. “We had to win this match, but it cannot be said that this was a lucky victory. We controlled the game and dominated throughout, so this was not luck,” the German-Brazilian coach emphasized in his post-match comments.
Hanoi Police FC entered the fixture without key players Quang Hai, Adou Minh, and Bui Hoang Viet Anh, all sidelined by injury. Their absence forced Polking to hand a start to young center-back Pham Ly Duc. With limited pressure from Cebu’s attack, Duc, alongside senior defenders Tran Dinh Trong and Hugo Gomes, kept the backline solid and helped the team secure a clean sheet.
“Ly Duc showed a strong fighting spirit. Today he had a good match,” Polking praised his young defender. He also highlighted the performance of new signing Stefan Mauk, the former Australia U23 international, calling him “a quality player with pace who strengthens our midfield significantly.”
Polking reserved special praise for Dinh Trong, whose leadership proved essential in organizing the defense: “Dinh Trong is very experienced. Because we had Ly Duc starting today, his communication and guidance with the players around him in the backline were crucial,” Polking explained.
The victory lifted Hanoi Police FC to third place in their group with three points after two matches and a goal difference of zero. Buriram United sit bottom with two points from two draws, making the upcoming clash between the two sides on December 3 a high-stakes encounter. The loser will likely see their hopes of advancing from the group stage fade away.
That fixture carries added significance, as it will be a rematch of last season’s ASEAN Club Championship final. On that occasion, Hanoi Police FC drew 3-3 with Buriram after 120 minutes but fell short in the penalty shootout.
Meanwhile, Cebu head coach Glenn Ramos expressed pride in his squad despite the heartbreaking late defeat. “I am very proud of my players in both the match against Tampines Rovers and today. The whole team worked hard, but conceding in the last minute was unlucky for us. Still, I have great respect for Hanoi Police FC. They are a strong side, well-organized, and full of quality players,” Ramos said.
Hanoi Police FC will now turn their focus toward the decisive December showdown with Buriram United, where their continental campaign could hinge on the outcome.
Hong Phuc
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