Hanoi, 18 October 2025 – Head coach Harry Kewell expressed disappointment after Hanoi FC’s 1-2 defeat to Ninh Binh in his debut match on October 18 but remained optimistic, saying the team is “on the right track” and only needs more time and hard work to convert good football into victories.
In his much-anticipated first match in charge, Harry Kewell saw his Hanoi FC side dominate possession and create a host of chances but ultimately fall 1-2 to unbeaten Ninh Binh at Hang Day Stadium in Round 7 of the V.League 1 2025–2026 season. Despite flashes of fluid attacking football, defensive lapses and wasteful finishing cost them the result.
Hanoi FC controlled 60% of possession, producing 19 shots, with six on target, yet scored only once — through substitute Le Xuan Tu late in the game. The home side hit the post in the first half via Nguyen Hai Long’s curling effort and struck the crossbar in the second half through Dau Van Toan. Hanoi’s quick passing combinations and movement pleased Kewell, but the team lacked precision in the final third.
“We played well enough to win and played attractive football, but we were unlucky,” Kewell said in the post-match press conference. “The players are performing in a very entertaining way, but if we can’t convert chances, we’ll be punished. We must be more clinical and defend better.”
The Australian coach acknowledged Ninh Binh’s quality, calling them “a confident side with strong attacking players.” The league leaders made full use of their limited opportunities, striking twice from corner situations. Nguyen Hoang Duc delivered both crosses — the first headed home by Daniel dos Anjos in the 68th minute, and the second leading to a clearance that Nguyen Quoc Viet volleyed into the top corner in the 80th minute.
“There’s no excuse — we need to defend better in these situations,” Kewell admitted. “This defeat is painful, but I’m encouraged by the way we played. The team followed the tactical plan well. Now, we have to regroup, work harder, and continue improving.”
Kewell only arrived in Vietnam earlier this month and officially took charge of Hanoi FC on October 9, giving him just 10 days of preparation before his debut. His immediate task is to restore confidence to a team that started the season poorly.
The match also marked the first official appearance of newly naturalized midfielder Do Hoang Hen (formerly Hendrio Araujo), who received Vietnamese citizenship on October 17. The 31-year-old Brazilian-born playmaker started and played 65 minutes, creating at least three scoring chances for teammates.
“Hoang Hen is a quality addition,” Kewell said. “He hasn’t played a competitive match since March, so we have to manage his minutes carefully. Once he regains full fitness, he’ll be an important part of our system.”
Following the defeat, Hanoi FC sit sixth in the table with 8 points, nine behind leaders Ninh Binh. Despite the result, Kewell’s first match showed signs of progress — the team moved the ball more fluidly and pressed aggressively, aligning with his philosophy of dynamic, attacking football.
The Australian coach, who previously managed Yokohama F. Marinos and worked as an assistant at Celtic, believes the foundations are being laid. “The players are learning quickly,” he said. “If we keep this attitude and continue training hard, I’m confident we’ll turn performances like this into wins.”
Hanoi FC will look to bounce back in Round 8, as they travel away from home aiming to reignite their title challenge under Kewell’s guidance.
VSN collaborator writer
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