Bac Ninh FC's chances of promotion

BAC NINH - The 2025-2026 National First Division Football League is entering its decisive phase, with the results of Round 20 creating a major turning point in the promotion race. For Bac Ninh FC, the chance of winning the championship and securing direct promotion is becoming increasingly slim; the team needs to consider a play-off scenario to compete for a spot in next season's V-League.

Efforts to catch up

In round 20, playing at their home ground in Viet Yen, Bac Ninh FC secured their biggest win of the season so far. Against Ho Chi Minh City Youth Club, who were also in desperate need of points to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive, Bac Ninh FC displayed high form by launching a relentless attacking game.

The home team's forwards had a brilliant day. Bruno Cunha scored 4 goals, Vu Xuan Tin scored 3 goals, and Ngan Van Dai scored 1 goal, contributing to an 8-0 victory. This set a record for the biggest winning margin in the 2025-2026 National First Division League.

Bac Ninh FC boasts a squad of high-quality, experienced players.

However, this victory was still not enough to help Bac Ninh FC close the gap with league leaders Truong Tuoi Dong Nai , as the latter also just secured a narrow 1-0 win against Ho Chi Minh City Club.

Thus, after round 20, Bac Ninh FC has secured second place with 42 points, creating a safe 10-point gap with third-placed Quy Nhon United and trailing league leaders Truong Tuoi Dong Nai by 5 points. With only two rounds remaining in the 2025-2026 National First Division League, Bac Ninh FC's chances of catching up and winning the championship are very slim, as the 5-point gap is very difficult to overcome.

Looking back at the recent second half of the season, Bac Ninh FC showed great determination and good form with 7 consecutive unbeaten matches. At one point, the team was very close to the top of the table and even secured a convincing 2-1 victory against Truong Tuoi Dong Nai in round 18, making the promotion race intense until the final rounds.

However, in crucial matches, the team unexpectedly faltered, dropping points in a disappointing draw against Quang Ninh in round 14 and then sharing points with Khatoco Khanh Hoa in round 19.

Meanwhile, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai has shown stability, having lost only one match since the beginning of the season, away at Viet Yen against Bac Ninh FC. The scenario of this team losing both of their remaining matches is highly unlikely. Therefore, a more realistic goal for Bac Ninh FC at this point is probably not the championship title, but rather preparing for the play-off match to qualify for the V-League 2026-2027 season.

Preparing for the big match

According to the regulations of the National First Division 2025-2026 Organizing Committee, Bac Ninh FC, ranked second in the standings, will have to play a play-off match against the team ranked 13th in the V-League to decide who gets promotion.

Foreign player Bruno Cunha is in excellent form and is expected to shine in the upcoming important matches.

Currently, PVF-CAND Club and SHB Da Nang Club are at risk of having to play in the V-League play-offs, as they are ranked in the bottom two positions after round 24.

Regardless of which team they face, Bac Ninh FC will be under immense pressure. PVF-CAND boasts a quality squad of young players, including many members of the Vietnam U.23 national team such as Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, and Nguyen Xuan Bac... These are all players with good abilities compared to the general standard of the First Division and have accumulated a lot of experience over time.

After round 20, Bac Ninh FC has secured second place in the overall standings with 42 points, creating a safe 10-point gap with third-placed Quy Nhon United, and trailing league leaders Truong Tuoi Dong Nai by 5 points. The 2025-2026 National First Division League has only two rounds remaining.

Similarly, SHB Da Nang has the advantage of experience with players who have competed for many years in the V-League such as Que Ngoc Hai, Nguyen Phi Hoang, and Pham Dinh Duy. The team's fighting spirit was also proven last season when they defeated Truong Tuoi Dong Nai in the play-off match for a spot in the 2025-2026 V-League.

However, in football, there are always unpredictable elements. If Bac Ninh FC clearly defines its goals, thoroughly researches its opponents, and develops a suitable strategy, it still has many opportunities to create a surprise.

With strong investment from Bac Ninh Football Joint Stock Company, Bac Ninh FC boasts a quality squad with players possessing both technical skill and experience, such as Nguyen Hai Huy, Nguyen Thanh Khoi, Ngan Van Dai, Mai Xuan Quyet, Bruno Cunha, etc. Under the guidance of coach Paulo Foiani, Bac Ninh FC consistently demonstrates high determination and fighting spirit, evidenced by many dramatic victories thanks to decisive goals scored in the final minutes and injury time.

Coach Park Hang-seo's senior advisory role will also be crucial for the club during this period. Although he won't be directly in charge, the South Korean strategist's experience in high-pressure matches can help the team from Kinh Bac prepare better both psychologically and tactically. Furthermore, the enthusiastic support of the local fans cannot be overlooked, as the Viet Yen stadium always has a large and passionate crowd.

Ahead lies a huge challenge, but Bac Ninh FC will certainly do its utmost with all its passion to open the door to promotion, realize the dream of playing in the highest level of Vietnamese football, V-League, and live up to the expectations and hopes of the fans.

Text and photos: Hoai Phuong

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/co-hoi-thang-hang-cua-bac-ninh-fc-postid446776.bbg