Hoàng Đức shines as Ninh Bình crushes Viettel to secure a final berth

Ninh Bình once again impressed with a commanding 4-1 victory over Thể Công Viettel in the semi-final, booking their place in the 2025/26 National Cup final where they will face CA TP.HCM.

Ninh Bình delivered a convincing performance against Thể Công Viettel to secure a 4-1 win in the 2025/26 National Cup semi-final, marking their first appearance in the final.

The home side started with great determination and soon applied significant pressure. After missing a few chances, the turning point came in the 15th minute when Văn Trâm lost the ball in midfield. Friday played a clever through ball for Gia Hưng to race through and finish past Văn Việt, opening the scoring for Ninh Bình.

Thể Công Viettel had their fair share of opportunities to respond. Khuất Văn Khang forced a save from Văn Lâm, and later the same midfielder headed over the bar from a promising position. However, while the visitors were still searching for an equalizer, Ninh Bình struck with a second goal. In the 42nd minute, Friday again shone with an assist for Hoàng Đức, who coolly slotted home to give the hosts a 2-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Ninh Bình remained the sharper side. Friday and Gia Hưng missed several great chances, while Văn Việt made multiple outstanding saves. On the other side, Lucao was a rare bright spot for Viettel with dangerous efforts, but all were denied by Văn Lâm.

In the 85th minute, Lucao converted a penalty after Lê Phát fouled Tuấn Tài, reducing the deficit to 1-2 and reigniting hope for the army team. However, just two minutes later, Bảo Toàn erased any doubt with a superb solo run and angled finish to make it 3-1.

Not done yet, Friday capped his brilliant performance with a close-range rebound in the 90th minute after his initial header was saved. The 4-1 victory sent Ninh Bình proudly into the 2025/26 National Cup final, where they will meet CA TP.HCM with a chance to claim their first major title in their return to top-flight football.

90+5': Full time! Defeating Viettel 4-1, Ninh Bình officially advances to the 2025/26 National Cup final to face CA TP.HCM.

90': GOAL!!! Friday showcased his sharp scoring instincts. After his header was blocked by Văn Việt, the Ninh Bình striker immediately pounced on the rebound to poke home from close range, leaving the Thể Công Viettel defense no chance to recover and putting the hosts ahead 4-1.

87': GOAL!!! Bảo Toàn made his mark with a classy piece of play. The Ninh Bình player drove straight into the penalty area, cleverly shielded the ball, and then fired a precise angled shot past Văn Việt, restoring a two-goal cushion for the home side.

85': GOAL!!! Lucao calmly slotted the penalty, sending Văn Lâm the wrong way to find the net. Thể Công Viettel narrowed the gap to 1-2, making the remaining minutes of the match incredibly tense.

78': Lucao's awkward back-header caused panic in the Ninh Bình defense, but Văn Lâm produced an excellent diving save to keep it out. The score remained 2-0 for the hosts.

74': From a swift Ninh Bình counter-attack, Quốc Việt had a chance to shoot first time. However, Văn Việt was alert with a fantastic save to deny the home side's third goal.

65': Lucao cleverly held off his marker and turned to shoot inside the box, but the Ninh Bình defense quickly closed him down to block the effort from the Thể Công Viettel foreign player.

53': Friday nearly provided a third assist when he set up Gia Hưng in a good position. However, the Ninh Bình striker's left-footed shot went just wide.

47': Ninh Bình almost scored a third goal early in the second half. Friday had a shooting opportunity in a favorable spot, but Văn Việt stayed focused and used his foot to block, preventing the hosts from extending their lead.

46': Second half begins!

45+2': End of first half! Ninh Bình temporarily leads 2-0 after the opening 45 minutes.

42': GOAL!!! NINH BÌNH 2-0 VIETTEL

Friday cleverly set up Hoàng Đức, who sprinted forward with ease. Facing the goalkeeper, the Vietnam international coolly placed a low shot past Văn Việt to make it 2-0 for Ninh Bình.

37': Hoàng Đức won the ball from a Thể Công Viettel player and played a pass that created an opportunity for Văn Thuận. However, a poor touch from the number 11 meant Ninh Bình couldn't get a shot away at Văn Việt's goal.

29': Ninh Bình continued to trouble the Thể Công Viettel goal. From a corner, Hoàng Đức attempted a bold direct shot that struck the top of the crossbar and went out, much to the regret of the home fans.

23': Thể Công Viettel missed a golden opportunity to equalize. From a precise cross by Lucao, Văn Khang charged in to head the ball with only goalkeeper Văn Lâm to beat. However, the army team's midfielder sent his header agonizingly over the bar.

15': GOALLLLL! NINH BÌNH 1-0 VIETTEL

Văn Trâm lost possession in midfield, allowing Ninh Bình to launch a quick counter-attack. Friday played a clever through ball that tore open the opposition defense, and Gia Hưng raced through to finish past goalkeeper Văn Việt and put the ball in the net.

9': Despite being pinned back by Ninh Bình, Thể Công Viettel didn't just sit deep in defense. The army team was ready to press and push forward when possible. Khuất Văn Khang fired a low, powerful angled shot from the right flank, forcing Văn Lâm to dive and parry it for a corner.

5': Both teams started with clear determination. Ninh Bình aimed to mark their return season with a trophy, while Thể Công Viettel also set their sights on avoiding ending the campaign empty-handed.

1': The match begins

Starting lineups Ninh Bình vs Viettel

Ninh Bình vs Viettel When and where to watch?

• Time: 18:00 today 11/6/2026
• Venue:Ninh Bình Stadium
• Tournament: National Cup 2025/26 Semi-final

Preview Ninh Bình vs Viettel

Ninh Bình will host Viettel at home in the 2025/26 National Cup semi-final in a match expected to be very even. The ancient capital side have had a successful season with consistent form, well-organized play, and quick transitional ability. Home advantage also provides an important boost as they confidently aim for a spot in the final.

However, Viettel are still regarded as a very tough opponent thanks to their balanced squad and wealth of experience in knockout matches. The army team are known for their solid defense, combative midfield, and ability to capitalize on chances in decisive moments.

Given it's a semi-final, both sides are likely to start cautiously. Ninh Bình may take the initiative in possession, while Viettel are ready to play on the counter-attack to exploit any mistakes from their opponents. The battle in midfield is expected to be key in deciding the outcome.

Although Ninh Bình have home advantage, Viettel have the edge in composure and experience. The small gap between the two teams makes a draw after 90 minutes a very plausible scenario.

Expected lineups Ninh Bình vs Viettel

• Ninh Bình:Văn Lâm (GK), Quang Nho, Thanh Thịnh, Ngọc Bảo, Đức Chiến, Tiến Anh, Văn Thuận, Friday, Hoàng Đức, Gustavo, Tài Lộc.
• Viettel:Văn Việt (GK), Tiến Dũng, Colonna, Tuấn Tài, Damian An, Xuân Tiến, Nhật Nam, Hoàng Minh, Paulo Tapeu, Wesley, Goncalves.

Form & Head-to-head

• Ninh Bình form:In last 5 matches, Ninh Bình won 5, drew 1. Scored 10 goals, conceded 3.
• Viettel form:In last 5 matches, Viettel won 3, drew 2. Scored 7 goals, conceded 2.
• Head-to-head:In last 2 meetings, Ninh Bình drew 2, while Viettel drew 2.