Bắc Ninh overcomes the brink of defeat, fulfills historic dream of reaching V.League

(Football results) - The playoff match for a V.League spot ended with contrasting emotions as Bắc Ninh defeated PVF-CAND after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, officially securing their place in Vietnam's top-tier football league.

The drama of the playoff for the 2026/27 V.League spot reached its peak as Bắc Ninh and PVF-CAND had to decide the winner from the penalty spot. After a breathless back-and-forth over 90 minutes, the Kinh Bắc team showed greater composure to claim victory and write a new chapter in history.

Entering the match determined to make their first appearance in Vietnam's highest football league, Bắc Ninh started with strong initiative. From the opening minutes, the team advised by Park Hang Seo constantly pressured PVF-CAND's goal. Bruno Cunha left his mark early with a dangerous header in the 21st minute, but the ball narrowly missed the post.

Bắc Ninh's efforts were finally rewarded in the 32nd minute. The referee determined that Văn Thuận committed a foul inside the box, awarding the Kinh Bắc team a penalty. From the spot, Bruno Cunha made no mistake, beating goalkeeper Sỹ Huy to open the score at 1-0. During the remaining time of the first half, PVF-CAND tried to push forward for an equalizer, but the chances created by Mahmoud and his teammates could not be converted into goals.

In the second half, PVF-CAND showed great determination. After a few missed opportunities, the police team found the equalizer in the 55th minute. Mahmoud delivered a precise cross for Hoàng Vũ Samson, who rose high to head the ball cleverly, bringing the match back to square one. The following minutes saw a fierce battle as both teams continuously made substitutions to gain an advantage.

However, the immense pressure led to a lack of necessary precision in execution. The most notable chance fell to Hoàng Vũ Samson in the 86th minute, but the veteran striker's follow-up shot went agonizingly wide of the goal. With a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, the two teams had to go into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

On the unpredictable penalty spot, Bắc Ninh proved to be the more composed team, winning 5-4 after seven rounds of kicks.On PVF-CAND's side, Văn Vinh, Bá Đạt, and Vũ Tín failed to convert their attempts.The thrilling victory allowed Bắc Ninh to officially secure promotion to the V.League, ending a historic journey with an emotional night.

Bắc Ninh won 5-4 on penalties and earned the ticket to play in V.League 1 next season.

PENALTY SHOOTOUT: PVF-CAND players kicked first.

90' + 5 Full time.

The two teams will have to decide the winner on the unpredictable penalty spot.

86' Nooooooooooooooooo goal

Hoàng Vũ Samson fired a quality follow-up shot after a cross from his teammate, but unfortunately the ball narrowly missed Bắc Ninh's goal.

80' Psychological pressure too great

The enormous importance of the match is causing many players on the field to make constant errors, and the game is also disrupted by too many physical clashes.

70' Intense battle of wits

Both PVF-CAND and Bắc Ninh have made a series of personnel changes in their determination to win.

55' Gooooooooooooooooooooal

Mahmoud delivered a beautiful cross for Hoàng Vũ Samson, and the PVF-CAND striker executed an extremely clever header that found the back of Bắc Ninh's net, leveling the score at 1-1 for PVF-CAND.

51' PVF-CAND fans' hearts skipped a beat

Bruno Cunha dribbled straight into PVF-CAND's box and unleashed a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Sỹ Huy made a brilliant save to deny him.

47' Nooooo goal

Xuân Bắc rushed in quickly after a header pass from a teammate, but his shot sent the ball over the net.

46' Second half begins

45' + 4 End of first half. The temporary score is 1-0 in favor of Bắc Ninh.

45' Very dangerous

PVF-CAND are pushing their formation forward to attack, and the most dangerous chance fell to Mahmoud. The PVF-CAND striker handled the ball skillfully and fired a decisive shot toward Bắc Ninh's goal, but unfortunately the ball only grazed the post and didn't go toward the target.

32' Gooooooooooal

Bắc Ninh were awarded a penalty after the referee determined that Văn Thuận fouled a Bắc Ninh player inside the box. From the spot, Bruno Cunha easily beat goalkeeper Sỹ Huy to open the score at 1-0 for the Kinh Bắc team.

21' Nooooooooooo goal

Bruno Cunha made a run and executed an extremely beautiful header following a perfectly placed cross from a teammate. Unfortunately, the ball narrowly missed PVF-CAND's goal.

14' Not given

Bắc Ninh were awarded a free kick near the 16.50m line and directly in front of the goal, but Văn Trường could not capitalize.

8' Bắc Ninh pressing

Right from the kickoff, Bắc Ninh immediately organized attacks toward the opponent's goal. However, PVF-CAND goalkeeper Sỹ Huy remained steadfast.

1' Match begins

PVF-CAND's starting lineup

Bắc Ninh's starting lineup:

Where to watch PVF-CAND vs Bắc Ninh live?

• Match time:18:00 on June 12, 2026
• Venue:Hà Tĩnh Stadium
• Tournament: V.League 1 Play-off
• Live channel:F PT Play

Preview PVF-CAND vs Bắc Ninh:

PVF-CAND enters the playoff for a spot in the 2025/26 V.League with mixed emotions. The police team had an impressive sprint finish to end the season in 13th place with 24 points, tied with Becamex HCMC but ahead on head-to-head results. This is considered a commendable result for coach Trần Tiến Đại's squad after a difficult period.

However, this position was still not enough for PVF-CAND to secure direct survival in the V.League.They are forced into a do-or-die match against Bắc Ninh, the team that finished as runners-up in the First Division. This is no easy challenge as the opponent is showing immense ambition in their quest to appear in Vietnam's top football league for the first time.

In terms of experience, PVF-CAND clearly has the advantage, having taken part in many important matches. This is the third time the PVF home team has competed in a promotion playoff. However, the previous two occasions left unpleasant memories. When still known as Phố Hiến in 2019, they lost to Thanh Hóa in the V.League playoff. In the 2023/24 season, PVF-CAND again fell short against Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh.

Those defeats have somewhat created psychological pressure for PVF-CAND. Nevertheless, this time around, coach Trần Tiến Đại's team has a different level of preparation, having just gone through a competitive season in the V.League. The tougher playing environment has helped the players accumulate valuable experience, especially in decisive matches.

On the other side, Bắc Ninh is no easy opponent. The Kinh Bắc team has been heavily invested, receiving professional support from advisor Park Hang Seo, and boasts many players who have previously competed in the V.League, such as Hải Huy, Đức Chinh, Tuấn Linh, Mai Xuân Quyết, Phạm Văn Thành, and Ngân Văn Đại.

Most notably in Bắc Ninh's squad is striker Bruno Cunha. The former V.League top scorer quickly proved his class, scoring 10 goals despite only playing for this team from the second half of the season. In a match where just one moment of brilliance can change the outcome, Bruno's scoring ability could become a special weapon enabling Bắc Ninh to spring a surprise.

Expected lineups for PVF-CAND vs Bắc Ninh

• PVF-CAND:Sỹ Huy, Bảo Long, Lý Đức, Văn Dũng, Anh Quân, Công Đến, Xuân Bắc, Văn Thuận, Bá Đạt, Thanh Nhàn, Mpande.
• Bắc Ninh:Tuấn Linh, Văn Hiếu, Văn Đạt, Văn Hà, Hải Huy, Văn Trường, Hồng Quân, Thanh Khôi, Xuân Quyết, Văn Đại, Bruno.