A thrilling ending.

Yesterday, January 20th, the qualifying rounds of the 4th Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup 2026 (TNSV THACO Cup 2026) took place in an exciting and dramatic manner in the Central Coast and Southwestern regions of Vietnam.

The reigning runner-up is in solid form.

The reigning runner-up of the TNSV THACO Cup - Da Nang University of Sports and Physical Education - firmly held the top spot in the Central Coastal region's qualifying round, while the champion of season 1 - Hue University - unexpectedly lost to Duy Tan University.

The second round of the Central Coastal Region qualifying tournament began with a major surprise at the Military Zone 5 stadium ( Da Nang ) when Hue University lost to Duy Tan University. A precise header from Huynh Van Hiep following a corner kick resulted in the only goal of the match, securing a valuable three points for Duy Tan University. Hue University players increased their attacking pressure but were unable to break through Duy Tan University's defense. This defeat puts Hue University at a disadvantage in the race for a spot in the finals, while rekindling hope for Duy Tan University.

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology team ( left ) secured a playoff spot in the Ho Chi Minh City region with 3 consecutive wins.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENT

In the subsequent match, the Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports team asserted their dominance by defeating the Phuong Dong College of Da Nang 2-0. Huynh Van Phuong and Le Duc Hao were the two goalscorers, helping the Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports team maintain their winning streak and firmly hold the top spot in the bảng with 6 points. Coach Tran Trung Kien's team holds their fate in their own hands; they only need a draw in the final match against Hue University to secure a place in the finals.

Win decisively to advance to the play-offs.

The Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifiers at Tao Dan Stadium saw two convincing playoff spots secured by Quy Nhon University (Group 4) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (Group 5). In the final match of Group 4, Saigon University's efforts helped them defeat Saigon International University 1-0 to accumulate 6 points. However, in the other match, Quy Nhon University asserted their strength with a 2-1 victory over Saigon Polytechnic College, scoring two goals within the first 15 minutes. Winning all three matches and achieving a perfect 9 points, Coach Thai Binh Thuan's team convincingly secured their playoff spot. Meanwhile, Saigon University finished second in their group, hoping for a playoff spot for the two best-performing second-placed teams.

Before their final match in Group 5, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology team received good news when the RMIT University team drew 2-2 with the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education team. This meant that the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology team (6 points) had already secured first place in the group and a ticket to the play-offs. However, the team still had a spectacular final performance, winning 3-0 against the University of Economics and Law team, thus finishing the group stage with three consecutive victories.

Tra Vinh University reaches the "final"

Winning a nail-biting 2-1 victory against Cuu Long University in the final match of Group B, Tra Vinh University secured first place and a ticket to the Southwest regional qualifying finals. Before the final match, Cuu Long University held the advantage with 6 points, while Tra Vinh University only had 4. This meant Tra Vinh University needed a win to advance, while Cuu Long University only needed a draw. However, the resilience of Coach Tram Quoc Nam's players was evident at the right moment, allowing them to take a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Nguyen Thanh Phat and Ha Van Thuan. Cuu Long University fought back strongly, scoring a goal to reduce the deficit to 1-2 early in the second half through Nguyen Quoc Khanh and creating many good opportunities, but failed to capitalize on them, ultimately falling to their defeat after the final whistle.

Thus, the Tra Vinh University team (first in Group B) will face the host team, Dong Thap University (first in Group A), in the final match of the Southwest regional qualifiers, taking place at 1:30 PM tomorrow, January 22nd. The winner of this match will secure a spot in the finals, while the loser will compete in a play-off in Ho Chi Minh City to earn a ticket to Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa).

TODAY'S MATCH SCHEDULE 21.1

Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifiers (Tao Dan Stadium)
Group 6:
Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport - Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (7:45 AM)
Dong Nai University of Technology - Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry (9:45 AM)
Group 7:
Hong Bang International University - Van Lang University (14 hours)
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology - Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics (4 PM)

 

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hoi-ket-gay-can-185260120233330554.htm