Maintain the advantage.

Asserting strength

After securing a valuable three points against Van Lang University in their opening match of Group 3, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry played exceptionally well yesterday, winning 4-2 against RMIT University. Needing a win to keep their chances of advancing alive, the RMIT University players attacked proactively from the start but failed to break through the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry's defense. Instead, they conceded two goals in the first half and a brace in the second.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (right) became the first team to qualify for the play-off round.

Having won both of their matches, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry team secured the top spot in Group 3 and became the first team to qualify for the play-offs. Even if they lose to Gia Dinh University in the final match, they will still finish first in the group due to a better head-to-head record against Van Lang University. Coach Ta Hong Ha stated that the victory against Van Lang University was extremely important, not only securing three points but also boosting the morale of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry players. From there, the whole team will work together to successfully capitalize on this opportunity. The Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry team aims to prepare thoroughly in terms of spirit, physical fitness, and expertise for the upcoming matches.

Also yesterday, Van Lang University's team made a strong comeback with a resounding 5-0 victory over Gia Dinh University. Coach Nguyen Vo Hoang Phu said that the slip-up against Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry was part of football and had to be accepted. "The chances of advancing are very low, but I encouraged my players to just play comfortably. This year, the team has 50% new players; we said goodbye to the fourth-year players and welcomed new ones. The team will still play their best in the group stage matches, and if we can't advance through the best second-place spot, we will continue preparing for next season," Coach Nguyen Vo Hoang Phu expressed.

What a pity for the People's Police University team!

In yesterday's late match, the People's Police University team suffered a disappointing 0-1 defeat against the Saigon University of Technology team, losing their advantage. Meanwhile, with a victory against their direct competitor, the People's Police University, the Saigon University of Technology team reached 6 points, securing the top spot in Group 4 and moving closer to a playoff spot. Participating in the TNSV THACO Cup 2025 for the first time, the Saigon University of Technology team made a strong impression with their well-balanced squad and clever, effective playing style. Coach Pham Huy Vu hopes his players will maintain this fighting spirit in the final match and aim for even greater goals.

It's a pity for Coach Nguyen The Anh and the People's Police University team, as they created a strong attacking game with many opportunities but couldn't equalize against the Saigon University of Technology team. Despite having excellent physical fitness, the People's Police University players' attacking coordination was hasty. Coach Nguyen The Anh constantly shouted instructions, urging his players to be more confident in their teamwork, but it was ineffective. With 3 points after 2 matches, the People's Police University team can only hope to advance to the next round as the best-performing second-placed team. In the final match, they will face the Ho Chi Minh City Open University team.

Today's schedule (January 5)

Group E (Ho Chi Minh City area):

9:00 AM: Ho Chi Minh City Open University - Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages ​​and Information Technology

3 PM: Saigon University - Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking

5:30 PM: Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology - Saigon International University

Group A (Northern Region):

2 PM: East Asia University of Technology - Water Resources University

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giu-vung-loi-the-18525010423370391.htm