Coach Phung Thanh Phuong defends Khoa Ngo.

Having contributed an assist to Tien Linh's goal, Vietnamese-born midfielder Khoa Ngo is being used cautiously by coach Phung Thanh Phuong for the two important upcoming matches of Ho Chi Minh City Police FC.

Coach Phùng Thanh Phương aims for two final goals - Photo: HCMCFC

On the evening of May 31st, Ho Chi Minh City Police FC drew 1-1 with second-placed The Cong - Viettel at Binh Duong Stadium (the team borrowed this stadium because Thong Nhat Stadium was under renovation).

Khoa Ngo provided the assist for Tien Linh's equalizer in the 85th minute. Prior to that, Nham Manh Dung opened the scoring for the visiting team in the 34th minute. After the match, coach Phung Thanh Phuong spoke about Khoa Ngo.

"I don't want injuries to affect Khoa Ngo's development. At the club level, or even further afield with the Vietnamese national team, I have to carefully consider the appropriate time to use Khoa Ngo," he said.

Khoa Ngo, born in 2006, recently returned to action in two matches against Ninh Binh and The Cong - Viettel in rounds 24 and 25. Prior to that, he was sidelined for nearly a month due to an injury while playing for the Ho Chi Minh City Police Club.

The Vietnamese-Australian midfielder also helped Tien Linh rediscover his goal-scoring form during this period. He scored two goals against Song Lam Nghe An and The Cong - Viettel.

Coach Phùng Thanh Phương commented: "Tiến Linh has relieved the pressure of scoring goals that he's been under lately. He has brought good results for the whole team and, importantly, has re-energized himself."

Khoa Ngo has two important matches ahead - Photo: NK

Coach Phung Thanh Phuong is placing high hopes on the partnership between Khoa Ngo and Tien Linh. This draw helps Ho Chi Minh City Police FC maintain their 5th position with 35 points after 25 rounds.

These two players need to maintain their form to help the team finish the season in the top 5, ahead of the challenge from former champions Thép Xanh Nam Định in the final matchday, round 26.

Furthermore, Nam Dinh Green Steel is also the opponent of Ho Chi Minh City Police Club in the semi-finals of the 2025-2026 National Cup. The match will take place on the evening of June 11th at the Nam Dinh stadium.

Coach Phùng Thanh Phương wants to preserve the team's strength and retain key players to help the Ho Chi Minh City Police Club achieve its remaining two goals for the 2025-2026 season.

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QUANG THINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-phung-thanh-phuong-bao-ve-khoa-ngo-20260601003507585.htm