The newly promoted V-League team's coach nominates a player for the Vietnam national team

PVF-CAND managed a draw against Hong Linh Ha Tinh in the 6th round of the 2025/2026 V-League, where goalkeeper Phi Minh Long showed excellent skills and received notable commendation from coach Thach Bao Khanh.

PVF-CAND secured a valuable point at Ha Tinh after a 1-1 draw in round 6 of the 2025/2026 V-League, marking their third consecutive match without a win as a newcomer to the league. Although victory has eluded them, goalkeeper Phi Minh Long’s impressive display helped the newly promoted team withstand strong pressure from their opponents.

Throughout the full 90 minutes, Hong Linh Ha Tinh created numerous dangerous chances, especially in the second half. However, Phi Minh Long consistently made crucial saves with quick reflexes and accurate anticipation. He became a reliable last line of defense, helping PVF-CAND maintain the score and gain confidence in their relegation battle this season.

After the match, coach Thach Bao Khanh expressed satisfaction with his players’ spirit and effort. He shared: “This was a good game from both teams. We created chances but failed to convert them. In the second half, the team played more cohesively, and I’m pleased with earning a point away from home. This result boosts our confidence for the upcoming challenges.”

The 46-year-old strategist also gave special praise to goalkeeper Phi Minh Long: “He is performing very well, consistently, and is a major pillar for the defense. If he maintains this form, Minh Long could definitely be called up to the national team again.”

Phi Minh Long was once considered a promising goalkeeper for Vietnamese football. He represented Vietnam U23 at the 2016 AFC U23 Championship and the 2017 SEA Games. However, his career stalled due to some mistakes and injuries. After years of effort, Minh Long regained his form when PVF-CAND was promoted to the V-League, replacing Quang Nam who withdrew from the competition.

Since the start of the 2025/2026 season, the goalkeeper born in 1995 has shown steady performances, making numerous saves for his team. Nevertheless, his chances of national team selection remain challenging due to competition from prominent names like Filip Nguyen, Van Lam, and young talented goalkeepers such as Van Viet and Van Kien. Still, his current consistent form opens hope for Minh Long to wear the national jersey once more.