Fiery 'final' matches

Two more teams from Ho Chi Minh City secure play-off spots.

The teams from Dong Nai University of Technology and Van Lang University were the next two representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifiers to secure a spot in the play-offs. The decisive match for first place in Group 6 between Dong Nai University of Technology (6 points) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry (4 points) featured many high-quality plays. Needing only a draw to secure first place and a play-off spot, Dong Nai University of Technology played defensively and controlled the game well. Despite their best efforts, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry players couldn't break through their opponent's defense. Coach Phan Hoang Vu's team conceded the only goal at the beginning of the second half but couldn't turn the tide, ultimately losing 0-1 and watching their opponents advance.

Nảy lửa các trận 'chung kết'- Ảnh 1. — Van Lang University team *(center)* is the next representative from the Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifiers to secure a spot in the play-off round.

In Group 7, Van Lang University played brilliantly, defeating Hong Bang International University 4-0. This result gave Coach Nguyen Vo Hoang Phu's team 7 points. In the other match, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics (4 points) needed to win against Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (3 points) to compete for the top spot with Van Lang University. Playing with a man advantage throughout the second half, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics created many opportunities but failed to capitalize, resulting in a 0-0 draw. This result eliminated Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, while Van Lang University advanced to the play-offs as group winners.

Today, January 22nd, the Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifiers concluded with the final matches of groups 8 and 9. In group 8, the advantage belongs to the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry team, while the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (VNU-HCM) team has a strong chance of securing a spot in group 9. The final matches will determine the group winner and the two best-performing second-placed teams to advance to the play-off round.

Intense encounters

Today, the final round of matches in the Central Coast and Southwestern Coastal region qualifiers will take place to determine the teams that will qualify for the finals in Nha Trang next March.

In the Central Coastal Region qualifying round, the Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports team (6 points) faced the Hue University team (3 points). The Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports team had a significant advantage, needing only a draw to secure the only ticket from the Central Coastal Region to the finals. If they lost to Hue University, they would have to wait for the result of the other match between Phuong Dong College of Da Nang (0 points) and Duy Tan University (3 points). Duy Tan University was considered the stronger team; a win would give them 6 points. In that case, the three teams – Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports, Hue University, and Duy Tan University – would all have 6 points, and the tiebreaker would be to determine which team advances.

Meanwhile, in the Southwest region, a true final match is taking place between the home team, Dong Thap University (winner of Group A), and Tra Vinh University (winner of Group B). The winner of this match will secure a ticket to the finals, while the loser still has a chance by participating in the play-off round in Ho Chi Minh City. The clash between the two teams is considered evenly matched and promises to be exciting. Tra Vinh University has experience competing in the Student Sports Tournament and a team of players with excellent physical fitness. Dong Thap University, on the other hand, has the home advantage and also possesses a talented squad. With the full support and encouragement of their university leaders, the team from the land of lotus flowers promises an explosive match.

Match schedule for January 22nd

Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifiers (Tao Dan Stadium)

Group 8: People's Police University - Da Lat University (8:30 AM); Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry - Lilama 2 International College of Technology (2:00 PM).

Group 9: University of Industry and Trade - University of Technology (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), 4 PM.

Central Coastal Region Qualifiers (Military Region 5 Stadium):

Hue University - Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports (2 PM); Phuong Dong College Da Nang - Duy Tan University (4 PM).

Southwest Region Qualifiers (Dong Thap University Stadium):

Dong Thap University - Tra Vinh University (3:30 PM).

Nảy lửa các trận 'chung kết'- Ảnh 2.