(Football results) - CAHN secured a crucial victory over Ninh Binh to continue leading the V-League standings.
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The match between Ninh Binh and CAHN started dramatically as the visiting team scored in the 2nd minute. Patrick Marcelino made a mistake by losing possession in the penalty area, allowing Alan to easily finish past Dang Van Lam. However, CAHN's joy was short-lived as Alan suffered an injury and had to leave the field at minute 10, replaced by Dinh Bac.
After the early goal, Ninh Binh pushed forward to seek an equalizer. Continuous pressure was created by the home team, notably a precise cross from Dung Quang Nho at minute 31 for Hoang Duc's header, but the shot lacked accuracy. On CAHN's side, they also had a chance from a quick counterattack when Leo Artur passed to Pendant Quang Vinh, but the shot missed the target. The first half ended with a 1-0 advantage for the visitors.
Entering the second half, the match remained lively. At minute 54, Hoang Duc passed smoothly for Fred Friday to shoot, but the ball went over the bar. While Ninh Binh was striving to equalize, CAHN unexpectedly doubled the lead at minute 63 with a dangerous long-range shot from Le Pham Thanh Long, leaving Van Lam helpless.
In the final minutes, Ninh Binh pushed higher to reduce the deficit. Le Van Thu had a chance after Friday's pass but the shot went over the bar. However, at minute 87, Quoc Viet cleverly passed for Pham Gia Hung to break through and beat Filip Nguyen in a one-on-one, narrowing the score to 1-2. Yet, the remaining time was insufficient for the home team to turn the game around.
Full time, Ninh Binh 1-2 CAHN
87' Goal, Ninh Binh FC reduces the deficit to 1-2
Quoc Viet made a clever pass for Pham Gia Hung to break through and beat Filip Nguyen in a one-on-one situation.
75' Still no equalizer:
Ninh Binh pushes forward seeking an equalizer. After Friday's pass, Le Van Thu shot but the ball went over the bar.
63' Goal, CAHN increases lead to 2-0
Le Pham Thanh Long found space in midfield and unleashed a dangerous long-range shot. The ball curled into the far corner, leaving Dang Van Lam completely helpless.
54' No goal
Hoang Duc passed smoothly for Fred Friday to shoot, but the shot sent the ball too high over the goal.
46' Second half begins
End of first half, Ninh Binh 0-1 CAHN
31' Very unfortunate
Dung Quang Nho crossed perfectly into the box for Hoang Duc to head, but it needed a bit more accuracy to become a goal.
28' No goal
CAHN's swift counterattack opportunity. Leo Artur passed for Pendant Quang Vinh to break through and shoot, but the shot missed the target.
14' Ninh Binh responds
After the early goal, Ninh Binh is determined to push forward and seek an equalizer. The pressure on CAHN's defense is significant.
10' CAHN suffers a major loss
Alan, just after scoring, suffered a serious injury and could not continue. Dinh Bac was substituted in.
2' Goal, CAHN scores very early
Patrick Marcelino made a critical mistake by losing possession to Alan in the penalty area, and CAHN's striker easily finished to score.
1' Match begins
CAHN starting lineup:
Ninh Binh starting lineup:
The highlight of Round 16 V-League 2025/26 is the clash between Ninh Binh FC (28 points) and CAHN (35 points) at Ninh Binh Arena. This match is significant in the championship race as both teams are in the top group of the standings.
Ninh Binh FC previously impressed in the first half of the season by leading the table with a long unbeaten streak, becoming a "phenomenon" of the season. However, recently the team has slowed down, experiencing 4 consecutive matches without a win, including 3 losses, notably a 2-3 defeat to CAHN.
Ninh Binh FC's declining form was evident as they could not secure 3 points against bottom-placed SHB Da Nang, despite playing at home and leading until minute 70. The only goal for the home team in that match also came from an opponent's own goal.
On the other side, CAHN, despite just suffering a 1-2 loss to Hanoi FC – their first defeat this season – is still rated slightly better in this rematch. Coach Polking's team possesses a quality squad and greater stability. Notably, the organizers have invited two Korean referees, Kim Woo-sung (1987) and Choi Cheol-jun (1994), to officiate this important match.