National Cup 2025 - 2026: Ho Chi Minh City Club starts smoothly

On the reunion day of two former Vietnamese national team players, coach Nguyen Minh Phuong led Ho Chi Minh City Club to victory against Dong Thap team of former striker Phan Thanh Binh.

The opening match of the 2025 - 2026 National Cup yesterday, September 12, was a competition between two representatives of the first division at Ba Ria Stadium, between Ho Chi Minh City Club (the new name of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Club) and Dong Thap Club.

Accordingly, the name TP.HCM competing in the V-League last season (now renamed TP.HCM Police Club) was handed over to Ba Ria-Vung Tau Club (after Ba Ria-Vung Tau province merged with TP.HCM). At the same time, the team's leadership also succeeded in convincing coach Nguyen Minh Phuong to continue leading the club. The interesting detail in the encounter between TP.HCM Club and Dong Thap Club came from the coaching bench, as this was a battle of wits between two former players who played for the Vietnamese national team, Nguyen Minh Phuong and Phan Thanh Binh. They together won the 2008 Southeast Asian Football Championship (AFF Cup). Taking advantage of the home field advantage and tight play, TP.HCM Club won a narrow 1-0 victory over Dong Thap Club. The minimal victory helped coach Minh Phuong and his team secure a ticket to continue.

Ho Chi Minh City Club (left) won the ticket to continue in the National Cup

PHOTO: Ho Chi Minh City Club

The second day of the 2025 - 2026 National Cup taking place today (September 13) promises to be more exciting, with the appearance of teams competing in the V-League. In particular, Ninh Binh Club is expected to continue to "make waves" in the domestic arena. In the V-League, Ninh Binh Club, although a rookie, has made a strong impression in the opening stage of the season. After 3 rounds, Nguyen Hoang Duc and his teammates had a convincing performance with a perfect record of winning, winning 9 absolute points, scoring 10 goals and leading the rankings. On the other side of the front line, Phu Tho Club has just completed the transfer procedure from Gia Dinh Club (newly promoted from the second division). Just a few days before, the entire force of the old Gia Dinh Club moved to Phu Tho to practice. With such a short preparation time before the new season, Phu Tho Club is unlikely to be able to create a surprise against Ninh Binh Club, which has a superior force and is on the rise. The match between Phu Tho Club and Ninh Binh Club takes place at 4:00 p.m. today at Viet Tri Stadium.

At Thanh Hoa Stadium, at 6:00 p.m. is the confrontation between Thanh Hoa Club and HAGL. These are two teams at the bottom of the V-League table this season after the first 3 matches with only 1 point each. The opening match of the National Cup is considered an opportunity for both teams to regain their spirit and confidence to enter the next stage of the V-League after the FIFA Days break in September. The Thanh team is currently facing many difficulties, from the results of the early matches to the problem of Mr. Doan. The provincial leaders as well as the club have expressed their views that they will help the team overcome the storm, but it is still difficult to avoid a temporary feeling of uncertainty. The remaining match of the National Cup 2025 - 2026 is the confrontation between Long An Club and Quy Nhon Club at 4:00 p.m. at Long An Stadium.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cup-quoc-gia-2025-2026-club-tphcm-khoi-dau-suon-se-185250912214101324.htm