Eight teams have been determined to advance to the Ho Chi Minh City regional play-offs.

A breath of fresh air in the Ho Chi Minh City area.

In yesterday's competition (January 11th), the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) team showed great ambition in their second appearance at the Student Sports Tournament. Coach Nguyen Van Tuan's team secured a convincing 3-0 victory against the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education team, thereby taking first place in Group 6 with a perfect score (9 points). Not only did they secure a place in the play-off round, but based on their performance, the HCMUT team is predicted to go far in this year's tournament.

The rookie team from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City ( left ) secured a spot in the play-off round for the best-performing second-placed team.

In Group 7, the experienced team from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education shared points with the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, completing their immediate goal of securing a playoff spot. This crucial draw against the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education team in the final match also gave the newcomer Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics 7 points, securing the only spot reserved for the best-performing second-placed team. Despite participating in the TNSV tournament for the first time, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics team showed thorough preparation in terms of personnel, promising to create a surprise in the playoff round. The Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics team's qualification ended the hopes of other strong second-placed teams such as Van Lang University (6 points), Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry (6 points), Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport (6 points), and Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (6 points). The fierce competition from the group stage in the Ho Chi Minh City region meant that any slip-up or lack of luck would have led to their elimination.

Previously, the teams that qualified for the Ho Chi Minh City regional play-offs were Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports (Group 1), Van Hien University (Group 2), Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (Group 3), Saigon Technology University (Group 4), and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (Group 5). These are all teams with strong squads, effective performances, and distinct identities, promising fierce competition in the play-offs. A technical meeting and draw for the Ho Chi Minh City regional play-off matches (taking place on January 14th and 15th) will be held on January 13th. The four winning teams in the play-offs will qualify for the finals.

Three intense "final" matches

The focus of today's competition (January 12th) is on the Central Coast region (Military Region 5 Stadium, Da Nang) and the Southeast region (Bau Thanh Stadium, Ba Ria-Vung Tau), as all three matches will decide who qualifies for the finals. In the Central Coast region, former champion Hue University will face Duy Tan University in play-off 1. With a deep and experienced squad from the TNSV tournament, Hue University is considered the favorite. However, Duy Tan University is also a formidable opponent, ready to spring a surprise. In the remaining play-off, Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports faces a major challenge from FPT Polytechnic College. Under the guidance of former HAGL player Tran Huu Dong Trieu and with significant investment, the FPT Polytechnic College team performed impressively, winning against the University of Technical Education (Da Nang University) and sharing points with the 2023 TNSV champion, Hue University. “My team and I at FPT Polytechnic College aspire to participate in the final round of the THACO TNSV Cup 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, we will play with the highest determination in the play-off match against the Da Nang University of Sports and Physical Education team,” Coach Dong Trieu expressed. Equally determined, Coach Tran Trung Kien of the Da Nang University of Sports and Physical Education team hopes his players will maintain their composure to qualify for the final round for the second time.

Meanwhile, in the Southeast region, the competition was equally fierce, with only the best teams securing a spot in the finals. Having defeated strong opponents, Lac Hong University and Dong Nai University of Technology faced off in the final. Possessing a high-quality squad and a well-balanced team, Dong Nai University of Technology was considered the favorite. Lac Hong University, on the other hand, wanted to showcase their solid defense, as demonstrated in their previous match against Ba Ria-Vung Tau University. They were also prepared for a penalty shootout if necessary.

Also today, the TNSV THACO Cup 2025 features exciting and intense matches in the South Central - Central Highlands and Southwest regions.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xac-dinh-8-doi-vao-vong-play-off-khu-vuc-tphcm-185250111224448669.htm