Ninh Binh tops the list.

The clash between Khanh Hoa FC and Ninh Binh FC is considered the highlight of the first round of the 2024-2025 First Division league. This match also marks the debut of new signing Hoang Duc in the Ninh Binh FC jersey. Previously, when Ninh Binh FC defeated Ho Chi Minh City FC 1-0 in the National Cup (October 20th), Hoang Duc was absent. Besides Hoang Duc, stars like Dang Van Lam, Thanh Thinh, Huu Tuan, Dinh Thanh Binh, and Quoc Viet were all included in the starting lineup by coach Nguyen Viet Thang.

On the opposite side, Khanh Hoa FC is considered the underdog against Ninh Binh FC despite having home advantage. The coastal team's preparations for the new season have also been challenging. Most recently, in the National Cup, Khanh Hoa FC lost 2-3 to PVF-CAND at home.

Hoang Duc made his debut for Ninh Binh Club.

With Hoang Duc's presence, Ninh Binh FC played confidently and dominated in terms of chances against the home team Khanh Hoa in the first half. The former The Cong Viettel player wore the captain's armband and played in the center of the midfield, helping Ninh Binh FC maintain superior ball control (70%). Hoang Duc continued to showcase his talent with classy ball control and breakthroughs in the midfield. Not only did he excel in attack, but Hoang Duc also actively contributed to defense, making accurate interceptions.

However, Hoang Duc's excellent performance couldn't help Ninh Binh FC find a goal in the first half. Coach Nguyen Viet Thang's team frequently had to move the ball to the flanks and cross it into the box, taking advantage of the good cutting runs of Quoc Viet and Dinh Thanh Binh. In the 13th and 25th minutes, Quoc Viet and Thanh Binh respectively had opportunities, but their shots were too easy for Khanh Hoa FC's goalkeeper Ngoc Cuong.

Towards the end of the first half, Ninh Binh FC proactively increased the tempo but still faced many difficulties. The visiting team's midfield pushed forward, frequently penetrating the penalty area and attempting long-range shots. However, Ninh Binh FC's coordination remained problematic, and they were unable to create any clear scoring opportunities.

Hoang Duc (left) played outstandingly but was unable to help Ninh Binh Club score a goal.

In the second half, the match became more exciting as Khanh Hoa FC boldly pushed their formation higher. In the early minutes, Coach Tran Trong Binh's team launched dangerous counter-attacks, putting Ninh Binh FC under pressure. In the 58th minute, Khanh Hoa FC attacked through the center and had three consecutive shots on Dang Van Lam's goal. Fortunately for Ninh Binh FC, Van Lam proved his class and kept a clean sheet.

Meanwhile, Ninh Binh FC continued to struggle in attack. The connection between the lines was almost non-existent, and the visitors' chances relied heavily on individual efforts. In the 78th minute, Mach Ngoc Ha had Ninh Binh FC's most dangerous opportunity of the match with a close-range header that hit the crossbar. Towards the end of the game, coach Nguyen Viet Thang went all-in, bringing on the remaining Ninh Binh FC forwards, but the situation didn't change much.

Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, in the 87th minute, Hoang Duc unexpectedly broke into the penalty area and scored a superb header, giving Ninh Binh Club a 1-0 victory.

Hoang Duc scored a superb goal, helping Ninh Binh Club secure 3 points.

Hoang Duc's brilliant performance helped Ninh Binh FC secure their first three points and temporarily take the lead in the 2024-2025 First Division season. In the second round, Ninh Binh FC will return to their home ground to host Long An FC (November 3rd). Meanwhile, Khanh Hoa FC is expected to face many difficulties as they play away against Binh Phuoc FC.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hoang-duc-toa-sang-ngay-ra-mat-danh-bai-doi-khanh-hoa-ninh-binh-dung-dau-bang-1852410261829533.htm