Overwhelming Nam Dinh, CA TP.HCM proudly advances to the National Cup final

(Football results) - CA TP.HCM surprised everyone in the 2025/26 National Cup semifinal by beating Nam Dinh 4-2 at Thien Truong Stadium. This emphatic win earned coach Phung Thanh Phuong's side a place in the final, where they will meet Ninh Binh for the title.

Although rated higher and playing at home, Nam Dinh had a poor start against the determined visitors. After a tense opening, CA TP.HCM took the lead in the 18th minute. From a smooth central combination with Endrick, Raphael broke through and placed a precise shot past goalkeeper Nguyen Manh to open the scoring.

With the lead, the visitors grew more confident. In the 24th minute, from a corner kick, Endrick fired from close range, the ball deflected off Matheus Felipe and left Nguyen Manh helpless as it went into the net, making it 2-0.

The nightmare continued for the hosts in the 37th minute. Minh Trong delivered a precise cross from the left for Lee Williams to leap and head powerfully into the Nam Dinh goal, extending the lead to three. Not stopping there, just before halftime, defender Gia Bao scored a powerful header from Endrick's corner kick, sealing the score at 4-0 after the first 45 minutes.

With nothing left to lose, Nam Dinh fought back strongly in the second half. In the 71st minute, Xuan Son reignited hope with a spectacular bicycle kick following a pass from Ngoc Son, reducing the deficit to 1-4. Nine minutes later, Ly Cong Hoang Anh boosted the home side's belief with a precise long-range shot from outside the box, making it 2-4.

However, the remaining time was not enough for Nam Dinh to complete a comeback. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang made several outstanding saves against intense pressure from the Nam Dinh side, playing a key role in securing the victory for CA TP.HCM.

By defeating Nam Dinh 4-2, CA TP.HCM officially booked their place in the 2025/26 National Cup final. Their last opponent in the quest for the trophy will be Ninh Binh, who beat The Cong Viettel 4-1 in the concurrent match.

FULL TIME. Nam Dinh 2-4 CA TP HCM

87': LE GIANG PATRIK SAVES

Goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang is playing brilliantly, repeatedly rushing out wisely and making impressive saves, denying a series of dangerous chances from Nam Dinh under relentless pressure from the home side.

80': GOAL. Nam Dinh 2-4 CA TP HCM

Receiving a back pass from a teammate, Ly Cong Hoang Anh unleashed a decisive long-range shot from outside the box. The ball went to the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang completely helpless, narrowing the score to 2-4 for Nam Dinh.

71': GOAL. Nam Dinh 1-4 CA TP HCM

Xuan Son controlled the ball with his chest from Ngoc Son's pass before executing a beautiful bicycle kick. The ball hit the ground and then flew into the net, helping Nam Dinh reduce the deficit to 1-4.

65': BALANCED GAME

Having conceded four goals in the first half, Nam Dinh pushed forward to find a consolation goal but could not convert their chances. On the other hand, defensive errors kept exposing the hosts to dangerous counterattacks from CA TP.HCM.

46': Second half begins

CA TPHCM kicks off.

END OF FIRST HALF. Nam Dinh 0-4 CA TP HCM

43': GOAL. Nam Dinh 0-4 CA TP HCM

Defender Gia Bao was the next to get on the scoresheet, leaping high for a powerful header from Endrick's corner kick, leaving Nguyen Manh powerless despite a full-stretch dive.

37': GOAL. Nam Dinh 0-3 CA TP HCM

From a precise cross by Minh Trong, Lee Williams jumped high to head the ball powerfully, giving Nguyen Manh no chance and making it 3-0 for the visitors.

24': GOAL. Nam Dinh 0-2 CA TP HCM

From Minh Trong's corner kick, a CA TP.HCM player headed the ball to Endrick in front of goal. The striker turned and shot, the ball deflected off Matheus Felipe's knee and went into the net.

18': GOAL. Nam Dinh 0-1 CA TP HCM

Following a central combination with Endrick, Raphael calmly placed his shot, beating goalkeeper Nguyen Manh to open the scoring.

16': NO GOAL

Xuan Son skillfully dribbled down the left flank and sent a good cross, but unfortunately Lam Ti Phong's shot went over the bar.

10': DANGEROUS

Van Dat worked hard to push the ball to the left byline, but Matheus read the situation well to close in and knock the ball out of play.

1': The match begins

Nam Dinh kicks off first.

Starting lineups

Where to watch live Nam Dinh vs CA TP HCM?

• Match time:18:00 on June 11, 2026
• Venue:Thien Truong Stadium
• Tournament: 2025/26 National Cup
• Live channel:F PT Play

Preview Nam Dinh vs CA TP HCM: A must-win order

The National Cup semifinal between Nam Dinh and CA TP.HCM is expected to be thrilling, as both teams view this as their last chance to salvage the season. Given the knockout nature of the match, a single mistake could render all season-long efforts meaningless.

Nam Dinh enters the match under significant pressure after finishing the 2025/26 V.League in 6th place. From the position of reigning champions, the Nam Dinh team failed to defend their title, leaving many regrets, especially since they invested heavily in the squad throughout the season. Therefore, the National Cup has become the most important remaining goal for coach Vu Hong Viet's side. Only one win away from the final, Nam Dinh will certainly field their strongest lineup, determined to secure a spot on home soil.

On the other side, CA TP.HCM is equally ambitious. The police team ended the V.League season in 5th place, one spot above Nam Dinh. While this is an acceptable result, coach Phung Thanh Phuong and his players clearly aim higher. Advancing deep into the National Cup offers a chance to win their first title since the club reclaimed the name CA TP.HCM, thus creating a memorable milestone in the club's history.

In terms of squad strength and form, this is considered a fairly balanced matchup. Nam Dinh has home advantage and experience from many seasoned players, while CA TP.HCM boasts high morale and a desire to make history. The clash will likely be decided by the ability to capitalize on chances and composure at key moments.

Expected lineups for Nam Dinh vs CA TP HCM

• Nam Dinh: Nguyen Manh, Hong Duy, Van Toi, Lucas, Van Vi, Van Kien, Hoang Anh, Caio Cesar, Tuan Anh, Xuan Son, Brenner.

• CA TPHCM: Le Giang, Manh Cuong, Matheus, Gia Bao, Dang Khoa, Hoang Phuc, Duc Huy, Ngoc Long, Thanh Binh, Makrilos, Williams.