Ninh Binh, 5 February 2026 – Despite creating more clear-cut scoring chances, Nam Dinh FC were held to a 1–1 draw by Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) in the final matchday of Group B at the 2025–26 ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup, played on the evening of February 5. Nevertheless, the result was still enough for the Vietnamese side to finish top of the group and advance to the semi-finals.
The match at Thien Truong Stadium was decisive for first place in Group B. After four matches, Nam Dinh had collected 12 points, leading the standings and already securing a semi-final berth. However, before kickoff, many fans were surprised when the club did not register their most anticipated star, Xuan Son.
Meanwhile, JDT trailed Nam Dinh by two points in second place. The Malaysian champions are currently the strongest team in Malaysia, boasting an impressive unbeaten run. Experts considered them a formidable opponent thanks to their squad depth and AFC Champions League Elite experience. Notably, JDT started Hector Hevel, one of seven naturalized Malaysian players involved in eligibility controversy, while Joao Figueiredo was listed among the substitutes.
Although playing away, JDT pushed forward aggressively from the start. In the opening 20 minutes, the Malaysian side controlled nearly 60 percent possession and fired four shots. In the 15th minute, Syahmi Safari nearly scored from a dangerous 25-meter free kick, but Nam Dinh goalkeeper Nguyen Manh made an excellent save.
Late in the first half, Nam Dinh gradually regained control. Coach Mauro Jeronimo’s players pressed higher and prevented JDT’s midfield from settling. They also launched quick counterattacks that troubled the visitors’ defense. After several chances, Nam Dinh earned a penalty in the 33rd minute when Caio Cesar was fouled inside the box. Although Cesar’s initial shot was saved, Van Vi reacted fastest to score the rebound, giving Nam Dinh a 1–0 lead.
After conceding, JDT made attacking changes, including bringing on Joao Figueiredo in the 40th minute. However, they struggled to create clear chances, managing only one more shot on target before halftime.
In the second half, Nam Dinh took the initiative. In the 55th minute, they received another penalty after Hector Hevel handled the ball in the area, but Percy Tau’s weak effort was saved by goalkeeper Zubiaurre.
JDT then pushed forward in search of an equalizer but found it difficult to break through. Nam Dinh nearly doubled the lead in the 66th minute when Van Vi’s lob narrowly missed the target.
In the final 20 minutes, JDT increased the pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Dijks handled the ball inside the box, giving JDT a penalty. Bergson converted calmly to level the score at 1–1.
Despite the disappointing draw, Nam Dinh finished with 13 points from five matches, remaining unbeaten and topping Group B to reach the semi-finals. They will face Selangor FC, the runners-up of Group A. JDT, with 11 points, also advanced as group runners-up and will meet Thailand’s Buriram United FC in the semi-finals.
Kim Tuyen
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