Ho Chi Minh City FC wins opening match of the National Cup.

After changing its name to Ho Chi Minh City FC, Ba Ria - Vung Tau FC defeated Dong Thap in the earliest match of the 2025-2026 National Cup qualifying round.

The Navy team celebrates a goal for Ho Chi Minh City FC - Photo: HCMFC

On the afternoon of September 12th, Ho Chi Minh City FC (formerly known as Ba Ria - Vung Tau FC) defeated Dong Thap 1-0 at Ba Ria Stadium in the qualifying round of the 2025-2026 National Cup.

With the home advantage and a higher-quality squad, Ho Chi Minh City FC took the initiative to attack from the start. Meanwhile, the visiting team, Dong Thap, mainly defended and played very tightly, making it impossible for Ho Chi Minh City FC to break through.

The home team's attempts to push the ball out wide and then cross it into the box were quite simple, so they were easily cleared by the Dong Thap Club defense or failed to create any breakthroughs.

Facing a deadlock, Coach Nguyen Minh Phuong's team resorted to long-range shots, but these were also unsuccessful. The clearest scoring opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City FC came in the 44th minute, but To Phuong Thinh, unmarked, shot wide.

No goals were scored, but the first half saw three yellow cards for Dong Thap players following aggressive tackles.

Ho Chi Minh City FC (in red jerseys) during their match against Dong Thap in the 2025-2026 National Cup - Photo: HCMFC

In the opening minutes of the second half, both teams created dangerous attacking opportunities.

In the 50th minute, To Phuong Thinh's shot deflected off a Dong Thap defender's leg, changing direction and going wide of the post. Six minutes later, Duy Bao's long-range shot was saved by Thanh Thang, but Huu Khoi's rebound shot went over the crossbar.

The turning point of the match came in the 60th minute, when Doan Hai Quan delivered a cross from the right wing. The ball curled into the far corner of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Thanh Nha and the Dong Thap defenders hesitant, giving Ho Chi Minh City FC the lead.

After conceding a goal, Dong Thap FC immediately pushed forward to find an equalizer. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City FC retreated deeper into defense towards the end of the match to protect their lead. Therefore, despite their attacking efforts, Coach Phan Thanh Binh's team was powerless and had to accept defeat.

Thus, Ho Chi Minh City FC will face Ho Chi Minh City Police FC at Thong Nhat Stadium in the round of 16 of the 2025-2026 National Cup.

Watch the LPBank Securities National Cup 2025/26 live and exclusively on FPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

NGUYEN KHOI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/clb-tp-hcm-thang-tran-mo-man-cup-quoc-gia-20250912191728471.htm