The race for the best player award is exciting.

While the competition between the teams has reached its conclusion with the final match between the University of Water Resources and the National University of Malaysia this afternoon (April 5th), the 2nd International Student Sports Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup remains exciting in the individual categories. The title of "Best Player of the Tournament" is still open, with candidates like Izrin Bin Ibrahim (National University of Malaysia) and Nguyen Hoang Danh (University of Water Resources) closely trailing each other thanks to their outstanding performances.

Hấp dẫn cuộc đua cầu thủ xuất sắc nhất- Ảnh 1. — Izrin Bin Ibrahim (11) has a great influence on the playing style of the National University of Malaysia team.

Izrin Bin Ibrahim was the flagbearer for the National University of Malaysia, scoring all three goals that led the team to the final. The Malaysian team's number 11 was both a key player, creatively orchestrating the play, and an excellent free-kick taker. Izrin was the hero in the 2-0 victory against Nha Trang University with a superb free-kick from 30 meters out, leaving goalkeeper Ho Hoang Thinh with no chance. He then doubled the lead with a brilliant run into space, showcasing the keen vision of a true goalscorer. In the match against Svay Rieng University (Cambodia), when the Malaysian team was struggling, the eyes instinctively turned to Izrin. And once again, the midfielder shone with a delicate free-kick with unpredictable spin and trajectory, leaving the Svay Rieng University goalkeeper scrambling to push the ball into the net.

Unfortunately for the National University of Malaysia, Izrin was absent from the final due to a suspension (having accumulated two yellow cards). This presented an opportunity for the stars of the University of Water Resources to take the lead in the race for influence.

Nguyen Hoang Danh is a strong contender, maintaining the performance he displayed in the domestic league (which earned him the best player award). In the final minutes of the semi-final against Nha Trang University, when most players were exhausted, Hoang Danh surged forward like a spear to unleash a perfectly placed diagonal shot, crushing the home team's hopes. The midfielder from Ha Tinh also demonstrated his leadership and ability to motivate his teammates, alongside the experience and keen vision he has displayed after many years of competing in the TNSV THACO Cup. Alongside Hoang Danh, Bui Xuan Truong, the author of the only hat-trick so far, is also highly regarded for his perseverance, energy, and responsible playing style. "Xuan Truong is ready to take on any task assigned to him, with the same enthusiasm as when he first started playing football," coach Vu Van Trung commented.

The race for the top scorer title is also very exciting. Currently, Xuan Truong and Izrin Bin Ibrahim are tied for the lead with 3 goals each, but Izrin has no chance to increase his tally. Ho Thanh Phuoc (2 goals) and Nguyen Ba Hoan (2 goals) have a chance to overtake them if they perform well in the last two matches of the tournament taking place today (April 5).