Coach Kim Sang Sik receives good news from the 'crossing machine' ahead of the Malaysia match

After almost a year away because of a severe injury, Hồ Tấn Tài at last celebrated a significant moment upon returning to the pitch.

In the early match of round 12 of the 2025/26 V.League between Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh and Becamex TP.HCM, the defender born in 1997 was included in the starting lineup for the team from the industrial city, wearing jersey number 77. This was also the first official match Hồ Tấn Tài played since his injury at the 2024 ASEAN Cup. The match between Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh and Becamex TP.HCM kicked off at 18:00 on January 30, marking the V.League’s return after more than two months of break.

Hồ Tấn Tài suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the 2024 ASEAN Cup semifinal against Singapore and had to undergo surgery in mid-January 2025. His recovery process lasted almost a full year, causing him to miss most of the early season, while many teammates injured at the same time had already returned to play. It was only at the end of 2025 that Tấn Tài was able to fully resume training with Becamex TP.HCM before being ready to take part in an official match.

Having Hồ Tấn Tài start immediately in the match against Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh demonstrates the strong confidence the new coaching staff of Becamex TP.HCM, especially coach Ueno Nobuhiro, places in him. His presence not only strengthens the squad depth but also brings valuable experience and attacking support on the flank.

For Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh, the mountain team entered the match with home advantage and stable form. After 11 rounds, coach Nguyễn Công Mạnh’s squad stands 7th on the table with 15 points, while Becamex TP.HCM is just behind with 11 points. Their disciplined, well-organized play and a recent home unbeaten streak of 5 matches (3 wins, 2 draws) give Hà Tĩnh a slight edge before kickoff.

Looking at their head-to-head history, Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh clearly holds the advantage with 6 wins in the last 10 encounters, including a perfect 5 wins at home against Becamex TP.HCM. However, Hồ Tấn Tài’s comeback and the fresh influence from the visitors’ coaching bench promise a more unpredictable game than usual.

On a personal level, this return is very meaningful for Hồ Tấn Tài. If he maintains good fitness and quickly regains his best form, the defender has a solid chance to be reconsidered by coach Kim Sang Sik for the Vietnamese national team, aiming at the important match against Malaysia on March 31.