Three times like one, PVF-CAND still hasn't escaped the V.League playoff nightmare

The agonizing penalty series against Bac Ninh not only prevented PVF-CAND from reaching the V.League 2026/27 but also marked the third instance this club has lost a crucial playoff game.

On the evening of June 12, PVF-CAND entered the playoff for the final V.League 2026/27 spot with high determination after finishing the season in 13th place. However, the police-affiliated team again failed to cross the decisive threshold, losing to Bac Ninh in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout at Ha Tinh Stadium on June 12.

Notably, this is the third time the team has fallen in a playoff match.Previously, when still known as Pho Hien in 2019, they lost 0-1 to Thanh Hoa in the promotion playoff. In the 2023/24 season, PVF-CAND again suffered a 1-3 defeat to Ha Tinh. This time, Bac Ninh made the police team taste bitter disappointment once more.

The match unfolded with a tense, do-or-die atmosphere. Bac Ninh started aggressively and constantly pressured PVF-CAND's goal. Bruno Cunha had an early chance in the 21st minute but headed just wide. However, the Kinh Bac team's efforts eventually paid off with the opening goal in the 32nd minute.

The referee determined that Van Thuan committed a foul inside the box and awarded Bac Ninh a penalty. From the spot, Bruno Cunha calmly beat goalkeeper Sy Huy, putting Park Hang-seo's advisory team ahead 1-0. For the rest of the first half, PVF-CAND tried to push forward, but Mahmoud and his teammates failed to convert any chances into goals.

In the second half, the police team showed immense determination. In the 55th minute, Mahmoud delivered a precise cross for Hoang Vu Samson to leap and head home a clever equalizer, making it 1-1. In the following minutes, both sides continuously rotated personnel seeking an advantage, but the immense pressure led to many inaccurate plays.

The clearest chance fell to Hoang Vu Samson in the 86th minute, but the veteran striker's follow-up shot went agonizingly wide. With a 1-1 draw after regulation, the match went to penalties. In the luck-dependent shootout, Bac Ninh proved more composed, winning 5-4 after seven rounds. For PVF-CAND, Van Vinh, Ba Dat, and Vu Tin failed to convert their attempts.

The dramatic victory earned Bac Ninh official promotion to the V.League, closing their historic journey with an emotional night. Conversely, for PVF-CAND, this defeat extended the painful playoff memories, from Pho Hien in 2019, to the 2023/24 season, and now the 2026 loss to Bac Ninh.