Cao Penant Quang Vinh becomes the 'hero' for CAHN

25/09/2025 07:49:00 GoalGuru

Cao Quang Vinh’s 90th-minute goal relieved significant pressure on Công an Hà Nội (CAHN), aiding the capital club’s pursuit of qualification to the next stage in this premier regional club competition this season. The hard-earned win provided CAHN with their first three points, but it also revealed various tactical shortcomings in the defending runner-up’s play, especially due to the absence of creative players like Nguyễn Quang Hải.

Against Cebu FC, a team not considered a major force in Southeast Asian football, CAHN started with determination to press aggressively. First-half statistics showed the home side dominated possession and launched multiple shots. However, the effectiveness was nearly nil, with only one shot on target that was easily saved by goalkeeper Rami Jeridi.

The absence of Quang Hải made CAHN’s gameplay more predictable, and it appeared they had not adapted yet. The five foreign players — China, Alan, Leo Artur, Vitao, and Mauk — frequently had the ball but failed to coordinate effectively. The most dangerous players at Hàng Đẫy stadium, Alan and Leo Artur, were tightly marked and could not manage any threatening shots in the first half. This was also disappointing for the home supporters. CAHN’s best chance came in the 42nd minute following a defensive mistake by the visitors, but China’s shot failed to score.

Notably, VAR denied CAHN a penalty at the 45th minute, further increasing the red-clad team’s impatience. In the Hàng Đẫy stands, thousands of fans experienced tension as their team struggled against the disciplined Philippine defense.

In the second half, coach Mano Polking decided to bring on Đình Bắc and Thành Long to boost speed and creativity. CAHN began to play faster, exerting clearer pressure. Within the first 20 minutes of the second half, the home team fired five more shots, including a 63rd-minute moment when Vitao assisted Leo Artur, forcing the visiting goalkeeper into a diving save.

However, impatience was still evident. Many long-range shots lacked accuracy, and clumsy handling caused chances to slip away one after another. As the match approached its final minutes, a 0-0 draw against a weaker opponent seemed increasingly likely.

Quang Vinh became CAHN’s hero, securing a valuable victory for the team. Photo: Hoàng Linh

In this deadlock, coach Polking had to use all his attacking players. CAHN’s efforts were rewarded at the decisive moment. In the 90th minute, a golden opportunity arose. Phan Văn Đức, just subbed in, took a shot and Đức Nam followed up, but it was Jason Quang Vinh who was “chosen” to strike the only goal of the match against the visitors.

That goal caused the Hàng Đẫy stadium to erupt with joy among the home supporters. For Quang Vinh, it was a well-earned reward for his efforts to integrate and his desire to contribute to CAHN and Vietnamese football. The naturalized player showed his value for the first time this season through decisiveness, relentless spirit, and timely goal-scoring instincts.

By beating Cebu, CAHN earned their first three points in the regional club competition. However, statistics revealed multiple issues such as poor finishing and difficulty in breaking down the opponent’s defense. Compared to Cebu, Nguyễn Filip was not heavily tested; the visitors mainly challenged the hosts with their "cement-like" defense. The visitors’ patience and disciplined defending made CAHN sweat to secure victory.

The last-minute win is certainly precious but also raises concerns for CAHN. The team, heavily invested with many national players and quality foreigners, struggled at home against an opponent ranked only mid-table in the Philippine league. CAHN clearly faces fitness problems due to competing in too many tournaments.

Coach Polking needs to quickly improve midfield coordination. Without Quang Hải, CAHN’s midfield has lost its creativity. Without improvement, CAHN will find it difficult to advance far in the regional competition, where opponents like BG Pathum United, Selangor, Tampines Rovers, and Buriram United are much more challenging.

Nevertheless, Cao Quang Vinh’s goal carries great psychological value. It helped CAHN break free from pressure after their opening loss and confirmed their role as Vietnam’s representative in Southeast Asia. More importantly, it proved that the police team still knows how to win under the toughest conditions.

The 90th-minute goal is not only a personal milestone but also a reminder for the entire CAHN team that patience, courage, and fighting spirit until the end are essential weapons. The three points against Cebu are just the beginning. CAHN will face tougher challenges in the group stage. With the current squad, they have the capacity to go deep, but must continuously remind themselves to stay humble and improve.

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