Dinh Bac scores but CAHN still loses points, Ninh Bình wins dramatically in round 18 of V-League

Round 18 of V-League 2026 saw two intensely dramatic contests: PVF-CAND drew 1-1 with CAHN, and Ninh Bình beat Becamex TP.HCM 2-1 thanks to a last-minute stoppage-time goal.

Both matches featured tight battles, numerous controversial incidents, and were decided by pivotal moments.

At PVF Stadium, the encounter between PVF-CAND and CAHN started cautiously in the opening minutes as both teams mainly probed. CAHN made an earlier impression with attacking moves on the right flank by Dinh Bac.

After several unsuccessful attempts, the visiting team capitalized on their advantage in the 12th minute. From a combination play outside the box, Dinh Bac unleashed a low shot from distance; the ball wasn't placed too dangerously, but goalkeeper Phi Minh Long handled it poorly, letting it slip through his hands into the net. The goal allowed Coach Mano Polking's side to play more proactively, slowing the tempo and controlling the game.

Nevertheless, PVF-CAND did not give up. The home team pushed forward and repeatedly threatened Nguyen Filip's goal. In the 25th minute, Thanh Nhân had two consecutive chances but both were excellently saved by the Vietnamese national team goalkeeper.

Earlier, Thai Ba Dat had put the ball into CAHN's net, but the goal was not recognized due to an offside violation. The efforts of the young team helped them create a more balanced situation, but the first half ended with a 1-0 advantage favoring CAHN.

After the break, PVF-CAND continued to increase pressure and found the equalizer in the 54th minute. From a through ball behind CAHN's defense, Xuan Bac rushed forward and shot, forcing Nguyen Filip to make a save. However, the Vietnamese U23 midfielder quickly followed up to put the ball into the net. The assistant referee initially raised the flag for offside, but VAR intervened and confirmed the goal was valid, helping PVF-CAND level the score 1-1.

In the following minutes, the match became tense as CAHN tried to regain the advantage. Dinh Bac had a dangerous angled shot, while Quang Hai attempted to score on his birthday but his shot lacked accuracy.

The absence of the foreign duo Alan and Artur significantly weakened CAHN's attacking power. Neither team could create further difference in the closing minutes, accepting a 1-1 draw.

In the other match, Ninh Bình secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Becamex TP.HCM in a contest full of turning points. Immediately after the kick-off whistle, the visiting team proactively pushed forward to exert strong pressure.

Within the first few minutes, Gia Hung put the ball into the home team's net, but the goal was not recognized due to offside. Ninh Bình continued to create a series of chances as Fred Friday's shot hit the post, while Becamex TP.HCM also responded with Minh Khoa's shot narrowly missing the post.

The open play continued throughout the first half, but the turning point came late in the half. In the 43rd minute, Gia Hung was fouled inside the box and the referee awarded Ninh Bình a penalty. From the 11-meter spot, Geovane calmly beat goalkeeper Van Cong, opening a 1-0 lead for the visitors before the first half ended.

Moving into the second half, Becamex TP.HCM pushed their formation higher seeking an equalizer. After several minutes of struggle, the home team got what they needed in the 54th minute. Minh Khoa delivered a precise cross for Ho Tan Tai to head home, bringing the match back to a level score.

The equalizer made the game more lively. Both teams exchanged attacks repeatedly, with Ninh Bình still creating more opportunities. Dung Quang Nho almost increased the score but his shot narrowly missed the post. As time moved toward the end, Ninh Bình intensified pressure to seek victory, while Becamex TP.HCM opted for a secure approach.

The drama peaked during stoppage time. When the match seemed destined to end in a draw, Ninh Bình launched a final attack. Capitalizing on confusion in the host's defense, Van Thuận made a decisive strike, sealing a 2-1 victory in the last minute of stoppage time. The late goal allowed Ninh Bình to claim a full 3 points in dramatic fashion.