Hanoi Police won a "heart-stopping" victory over Dynamic Herb Cebu

Hanoi police (red shirt) won a narrow victory at home. (Photo: Duc Cuong)

Entering the match as the favorites, Hanoi Police completely controlled the game in the first half. However, the playing style of the Police team lacked the necessary breakthrough and sharpness.

Despite controlling the ball 80% of the time and making more than 260 passes, Hanoi Police's coordinated attacks were still met with the multi-layered defense system of the team from the Philippines.

The rare clear-cut chances in this half were all unfortunately missed, including Rogerio Alves' unsuccessful face-off and Alan's weak header.

Cebu FC, with disciplined play and tight defense, created a surprise by making it very difficult for Hanoi Police to approach the goal.

They even made the audience gasp with a few dangerous counter-attacks. In particular, Roberto Corsame's long-range shot or Rico Andes' close-range header could have been converted into goals if it weren't for the excellent defense of Hanoi Police and a little luck.

In the second half, coach Mano Polking decided to strengthen the attack by bringing Dinh Bac and Thanh Long onto the field. Hanoi Police continued to pressure the opponent, creating a series of dangerous opportunities but still could not penetrate the opponent's defense.

Notably, Alan, Rogerio and Leo Artur had consecutive blocked shots. In another situation, Dinh Bac had a rebound kick but the ball went just wide of the post.

Despite many attacks but ineffective, Hanoi Police almost paid the price in the 65th minute when Corsame escaped to face goalkeeper Filip Nguyen, but his shot went wide. Realizing the deadlock from the foreign players, coach Polking withdrew Vitao, Rogerio and Alan from the field, replacing them with three domestic players: Phan Van Duc, Duc Nam and Minh Phuc to refresh the attack.

It was not until the 89th minute that the Hanoi Police's tireless efforts were rewarded. After two consecutive shots were blocked by goalkeeper Rami Jeridi, the ball bounced right into the path of Cao Pendant Quang Vinh. The defender wearing the number 15 shirt made a brave dive to score the only goal of the match, bringing a thrilling victory to the home team.

This result helps Hanoi Police temporarily take the lead in Group A after two matches. Coach Mano Polking and his team will continue their journey at Shopee Cup 2025/26 with a challenging away match against Buriram United in the next match.

PHAN THACH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/cong-an-ha-noi-gianh-chien-thang-thot-tim-truoc-dynamic-herb-cebu-post910302.html