Sao U23 Vietnam scores, Thanh Hoa wins dramatic PVF-CAND match

Dong A Thanh Hoa Club secured a crucial victory over PVF-CAND in a match considered the "reverse final" of the bottom group.

Dong A Thanh Hoa achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over PVF-CAND in a pivotal match for survival in the V-League. Ngoc My's sole goal not only brought three valuable points but also helped the Thanh region team climb to 10th place with 20 points, temporarily creating a safe distance from the bottom group.

Entering the match, both teams started cautiously, aware of the encounter's importance. PVF-CAND created the first dangerous chance with Mahmoud's close-range header in the 10th minute, but the ball narrowly missed the goal. Thanh Hoa quickly responded with attacks on the right flank, where Van Thang was active, though the finishing attempts lacked precision.

The stalemate continued throughout the rest of the first half. Thanh Hoa controlled the ball better but couldn't penetrate PVF-CAND's tight defense. Meanwhile, the visitors also struggled against the host's pressing and organized play.

The match's turning point came in the 62nd minute. From a quick counter-attack on the right wing, the ball was accurately crossed into the box for Ngoc My to bravely head in, breaking the deadlock. The goal relieved Thanh Hoa's psychological pressure and forced PVF-CAND to push forward in the remaining time.

In the following minutes, the visitors increased pressure to find an equalizer. However, Thanh Hoa's defense remained focused and disciplined.

During added time, Thanh Hoa deliberately retreated, prioritizing defense to preserve the result. Their solid backline held firm against the opponent's final attacks.

Ultimately, the 1-0 win gave Dong A Thanh Hoa 20 points after this round, rising to 10th place on the standings. This result is particularly significant as it temporarily provides a safe gap in the relegation battle and boosts confidence for the remaining season.

Meanwhile, the defeat deepens PVF-CAND's crisis. They remain in the penultimate position with 13 points, only one point above SHB Da Nang, the bottom team. This fragile gap puts PVF-CAND under immense pressure in the relegation race, especially as the season enters its decisive phase.

90'+6: The match ends. Thanh Hoa 1-0 PVF-CAND

90'+3: HOME TEAM DEFENDS

After scoring, Thanh Hoa players played more cautiously. They retreated to their half to protect the result.

78': NO GOAL

PVF-CAND's foreign player delivered a dangerous header, but the ball went over the bar.

62': GOAL!!!!! NGOC MY BREAKS THE DEADLOCK

From a counter-attack on the right wing, the ball was crossed inside for Ngoc My to leap and head in, breaking the match's stalemate.

48': VISITOR'S REVIVAL

Early in the second half, PVF-CAND Club began pushing forward hoping to find a goal.

44': DIFFICULT

PVF-CAND had a rare chance to counter but couldn't overcome Thanh Hoa's stubborn defense.

24': NOT SUCCESSFUL

Thanh Hoa received a free kick; Ngoc My passed low to a teammate, but Ba Tien missed the ball.

17': NO GOAL

Again, Van Thang delivered a favorable pass inside for Ngoc My to shoot, but it failed. Thanh Hoa's number 24 claimed a foul in the box, but the referee waved it off.

13': THANH HOA RESPONDS

Van Thang dribbled past two PVF-CAND players on the right flank and crossed inside for a teammate, but it didn't connect.

10': DANGER

From a teammate's free kick, PVF-CAND's Mahmoud headed close-range, but the ball went wide.

4': SLOW START

Both teams started cautiously; no intense or dangerous situations were created yet.

1': The match begins

Starting lineup

When is Thanh Hoa vs PVF-CAND, where to watch live?

• Time: 18:00 today, April 25
• Venue: Thanh Hoa Stadium
• Competition: V-League 2025/26
• Live on: F PT Play

Expected lineup Thanh Hoa vs PVF-CAND

• Thanh Hoa:Eli Nie, Minh Doan, Van Loi, Dinh Huyen, Odilzhon, Van Hung, Van Tung, Ngoc Quy, Ngoc My, Van Hoan, Van Thang.
• PVF-CAND:Minh Long, Anh Quan, Ly Duc, Lucas, Van Chuong, Xuan Bac, Thanh Nhan, Thai Quy, Mpande, Ba Dat, Samson.

Analysis Thanh Hoa vs PVF-CAND: Reverse final

The encounter between Dong A Thanh Hoa and PVF-CAND in this round truly embodies a "reverse final," where both enter under heavy pressure in the relegation battle.

Thanh Hoa currently has 17 points, third from bottom, but the gap to the safe group isn't secure. Their biggest positive is fighting spirit. Despite squad issues and unstable form, they know how to grind out points. Their recent play emphasizes tightness, prioritizing defense and maximizing set-piece situations.

Conversely, PVF-CAND with 13 points is penultimate and clearly faces greater pressure. Their season has been disrupted by frequent coach changes, from Thach Bao Khanh to Nguyen Thanh Cong then Tran Tien Dai. However, this change hasn't yielded clear results as the team still struggles to define its style and improve scoring efficiency.

Tactically, PVF-CAND likely won't hesitate to attack as they have few options—a draw isn't enough in the relegation race. But this could trap them in Thanh Hoa's counter-attack threat.

Home advantage is also a significant factor for Thanh Hoa. In crucial matches, fan support often makes a difference, especially for a team with strong fighting spirit.

The two teams drew in the first leg, but in this rematch, the balance slightly favors Thanh Hoa due to more stable play and mentality. If they capitalize on opportunities, the hosts could create a major turning point in the relegation race.

Some notable stats before Thanh Hoa vs PVF-CAND

• Thanh Hoa: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses in their last 5 matches
• PVF-CAND: 2 draws, 3 losses in their last 5 matches
• In the last 4 meetings, Thanh Hoa won 3, PVF-CAND won none