National U21 2026: PVF's big win, SHB Da Nang's favorable start

SHB Da Nang won a thrilling match against Cong An Hanoi, and PVF thrashed Dong Nai to claim the lead in Group C immediately following the first matchday of the 2026 U21 National Championship Finals.

On the afternoon of July 13, Group C The 2026 National U21 Football Championship Finals officially kicked off at the PVF Youth Football Training Center with two notable matches: SHB Da Nang vs. Cong An Hanoi, and host PVF against Dong Nai. On the very first day, both SHB Da Nang and PVF secured victories, gaining a crucial advantage in the race for knockout stage berths.

In the opening match, SHB Da Nang and Cong An Hanoi started cautiously. Both teams actively controlled the game, played solidly, and minimized errors, resulting in a first half with few dangerous opportunities. After the initial 45 minutes, the 0-0 scoreline accurately reflected the balance between the two sides, as neither could make a difference in attacking situations.

Moving into the second half, the match tempo increased, and SHB Da Nang made the most of their chances. In the 63rd minute, from a quick attacking combination, Van Lanh broke through to face the goalkeeper but failed to finish. However, the ball rebounded to exactly where Ngo Duy was, and he easily tapped in to open the scoring 1-0 for the central region representatives.

Refusing to accept defeat, Cong An Hanoi pushed forward and found an equalizer in the 79th minute. After winning the ball on the opponent's half, the police team launched a fast counterattack, and Khanh Hoang fired a precise shot to level the score. However, just when the match seemed destined to end in a draw, SHB Da Nang made the difference from a set piece. In the 88th minute, Van Tho rose high to head home from a corner kick on the right flank, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory.

In the other match, host PVF showed why they are considered top contenders for the title. Against Dong Nai, the team from the renowned academy completely dominated the game, constantly applying pressure and giving their opponents little chance to fight back. Their fast-paced style and cohesive coordination allowed PVF to control almost every aspect of the match.

PVF's superiority was reflected in a convincing 4-0 victory, with goals from Phung Quang Tu, Bui Duy Dang, Tran Quang Khanh, and Vu Ky. This result temporarily lifted the hosts to the top of Group C after the first round due to their superior goal difference, while SHB Da Nang sits right behind with the same three points. The group standings thus promise to be highly exciting in the upcoming matches, as the competition for advancement spots is fiercely intense.