Coach Thanh Hóa moved, allowing players to walk to secure victory over CA TPHCM

On the evening of February 8th, Thanh Hóa secured a 2-1 win at Công an TP.HCM during the 13th round of the 2025/26 V.League despite serious squad shortages. After the game, coach Mai Xuân Hợp drew notice by admitting he allowed players to “walk when exhausted” as there were no replacements available.

Facing Công an TP.HCM, Thanh Hóa was considered the underdog playing away against a team with a stronger and deeper roster. Nevertheless, through resilient fighting spirit and smart tactics, Mai Xuân Hợp’s squad withstood heavy pressure, capitalized on chances effectively, and returned home with all 3 points. This victory was meaningful not only in terms of points but also demonstrated Thanh Hóa’s resilience during the toughest phase of the season.

After the match, coach Mai Xuân Hợp openly expressed his concerns about his players’ stamina. He revealed: “Several Thanh Hóa players have been playing continuously, like Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ who participated in both the SEA Games and U23 Asian Championship, which has drained his energy. My biggest worry is their fitness. I always tell Mỹ that if he feels too tired, he can walk and keep possession to allow teammates to assist.”

The Thanh Hóa leader emphasized: “I can’t take risks. If one more player gets injured, where would I find replacements? The team has no one left to substitute.”

Despite many disadvantages, Thanh Hóa still showed admirable fighting spirit. The standout player in this match was Laos national player Damoth Thongkhamsavath, who scored two stunning long-range goals, helping the team secure all 3 points. Beyond scoring, Damoth contributed greatly to the overall play, actively supported defense, and displayed endurance throughout the full 90 minutes.

Coach Mai Xuân Hợp praised his player, saying: “Damoth hasn’t just been impressive today. Tactically, I require him to perform well in both attack and defensive support. Damoth always puts in great effort, has strong ambition, and gives his all on the field.”

With this win, Thanh Hóa temporarily climbed to 10th place in the 2025/26 V.League standings with 12 points, creating a 5-point gap from the bottom team Đà Nẵng. This is an important step in the relegation battle, boosting the Thanh Hóa team’s confidence for upcoming matches.

Coach Mai Xuân Hợp also expressed his gratitude towards the players and fans. He shared: “I deeply appreciate my teammates and the Thanh Hóa community living far from home who stand with the team during hard times. This victory is dedicated to the entire squad and over 4 million people of Thanh Hóa. When on the pitch, we must fight. Football belongs to the people.”