Following a frantic pursuit in the rain, Hanoi FC led by Harry Kewell achieved a 3-1 final win over Becamex TPHCM.
The match between Becamex TPHCM and Hanoi FC in the 8th round of V-League ended with a 3-2 win for the capital team, marking Harry Kewell’s first victory as head coach and a memorable moment when Đỗ Hoàng Hên scored his first goal for the new club.
The game at Gò Đậu stadium took place under harsh weather conditions, with heavy rain flooding the pitch and noticeably affecting the quality of play. The match was even paused for nearly 20 minutes in the first half to ensure safety. When play resumed, Becamex TPHCM made better use of the opportunity. In the 25th minute, Việt Cường capitalized on a Hanoi defensive error, skillfully chipping the ball to give the home team the lead.
However, true to the resilience of a top team, Hanoi FC quickly regained control. Late in the first half, Passira headed in close range to equalize 1-1 after goalkeeper Minh Toàn failed to hold the ball firmly.
In the second half, Harry Kewell’s squad showed clear dominance. The match saw three penalties awarded — two for Becamex TPHCM and one for Hanoi FC. In the 56th minute, Hoàng Hên changed the game by calmly converting the penalty, putting Hanoi FC ahead 2-1. This was also the naturalized player’s first goal for Hanoi FC.
The home team had a chance to equalize at the 79th minute with a penalty, but Oduenyi's shot went over the bar in disappointment. At 90+3 minutes, Xuân Mạnh headed in to extend the visitors’ lead to 3-1, before Ferreira reduced the deficit to 2-3 with a late penalty at 90+10 minutes.
Nevertheless, there was not enough time left for Becamex TPHCM to cause an upset. Hanoi FC claimed all 3 valuable points, starting Harry Kewell’s era with a tactically impressive and spirited victory.
The referee awarded another penalty to the home side after the visitors handled the ball. From the spot, Ferreira beat Quan Văn Chuẩn to pull one back for the hosts.
Xuân Mạnh scored a beautiful header to make it 3-1 for the away team.
The hosts tried hard to find an equalizer but failed. Ugochukwu wasted several chances while Việt Cường appeared to tire.
A Becamex TPHCM player was fouled inside the box and the referee awarded another penalty. However, Oduenyi’s shot was wildly off target, sending the ball over the crossbar.
Hanoi FC has been the dominant side in recent minutes, controlling 59% of possession and registering over 10 shots on target.
Milos from the home team committed a foul on Passira, and referee Nguyễn Mạnh Hải pointed to the penalty spot.
After VAR review, Đỗ Hoàng Hên took the penalty. He showed no mistakes, finishing into the bottom right corner to put Hanoi ahead. This was Hên’s first goal for Hanoi FC.
From a corner kick, Hanoi FC attacked with a header but goalkeeper Minh Toàn pushed the ball out. However, in the next phase, Minh Toàn again saved but directed the ball right to Passira, who charged forward and headed to equalize.
Passira controlled a teammate’s pass with his chest and executed a stunning overhead kick, but it didn’t result in a goal.
Taking advantage of a defensive mistake by the visitors, Việt Cường dribbled on the left and delicately chipped the ball to open the scoring for Becamex TPHCM.
Hanoi FC earned a free kick but Hoàng Hên’s shot went high over the goal.
Becamex TPHCM’s defense made an error allowing Hanoi FC a dangerous attacking chance, but it was not converted.
1': Match starts
Gò Đậu stadium is soaked with water, greatly affecting the technical aspects of both teams.