Hà Nội suffered an unfortunate defeat against Ninh Bình on the day Harry Kewell made his debut

(V-League result) - Although Hà Nội performed well, they ultimately lost to Ninh Bình in the 7th round of the V-League.

The match started with an enthusiastic kickoff and complete dominance by the home team Hà Nội. This was the debut match for the new head coach Harry Kewell and also the first appearance of Đỗ Hoàng Hên for Hà Nội FC after officially receiving Vietnamese citizenship just one day prior.

At the 14th minute, Hai Long missed a chance when his shot following Đỗ Hoàng Hên’s pass was too weak. Luck favored Ninh Bình. Vũ Đình Hai unexpectedly broke into the penalty area and unleashed a sharp low shot, but the ball struck the post.

At the 30th minute, Luiz Fernando had a dangerous close-range header but the ball went over the crossbar. At the 41st minute, Hà Nội was again unlucky when Hai Long’s skillful shot from the edge of the box hit the post once more. The first half ended goalless at 0-0.

In the second half, Ninh Bình continued to cede possession almost entirely and struggled to control the midfield, forced to endure Hà Nội’s pressure. At the 69th minute, the saying "attack a lot but fail to score will cost you" came true. From a set-piece, Daniel dos Anjos rose high to head and surprisingly opened the scoring for Ninh Bình at 0-1.

At the 79th minute, Ninh Bình shocked again. From Hoàng Đức’s corner kick, the ball bounced out to the second line where Quốc Việt struck a classy shot that soared into the top corner, increasing the lead to 0-2.

Hà Nội’s efforts were finally rewarded at the 83rd minute. Although goalkeeper Văn Lâm made a brilliant save, he couldn’t stop Xuân Tú’s follow-up shot, reducing the deficit to 1-2.

At the 87th minute, Hà Nội nearly equalized in a heartbreaking moment. Văn Quyết laid the ball off perfectly for Đậu Văn Toàn to shoot, but the ball hit the crossbar for the third time in the match. The game ended with a surprising 2-1 victory for visiting Ninh Bình.

Full time, Hà Nội 1-2 Ninh Bình

87' Extremely unlucky for Hà Nội

Văn Quyết set up Đậu Văn Toàn for a shot, but the ball struck the crossbar in a very unfortunate moment.

83' Goal! Hà Nội pulls one back

Văn Lâm made a fantastic save but couldn’t stop Xuân Tú’s follow-up shot, shortening the score to 1-2.

79' Goal! Ninh Bình extends lead to 2-0

From Hoàng Đức’s corner kick, the ball rebounded to the second line where Quốc Việt fired a brilliant shot into the top corner of the goal.

69' Goal! Ninh Bình unexpectedly takes the lead

Hà Nội paid the price for attacking a lot without scoring. From a set-piece, Daniel dos Anjos jumped high to head the opening goal.

61' Still no goal

There were continuous attempts of long-range shots from Hai Long and Hùng Dũng but lacked the necessary accuracy.

55' Ninh Bình on the defensive

The visiting team had only managed two shots towards Hà Nội’s goal and were conceding possession entirely. Ninh Bình’s midfield couldn’t control the ball.

46' Second half begins

Half-time, Hà Nội 0-0 Ninh Bình

41' Still no goal

Once again, the ball hit the post of Ninh Bình’s goal, this time from Hai Long’s very skillful shot from the edge of the box.

30' Hà Nội dominates

Now it was Luiz Fernando’s turn with a dangerous close-range header, but the ball went over the crossbar.

21' No goal yet

Vũ Đình Hai made a sudden penetration into the penalty area and fired a sharp low shot. Unfortunately, the ball hit the post again.

14' No goal

Đỗ Hoàng Hên delivered a perfect pass for Hai Long to break through and shoot, but the shot was too weak.

7' Enthusiastic start

Hà Nội started better in the opening minutes, pressing Ninh Bình and showing impressive ball control.

1' Match begins

Starting lineups for Hà Nội vs Ninh Bình:

What time is Hà Nội vs Ninh Bình, and where to watch live?

• Time: 19:15 on October 18
• Venue: Hàng Đẫy Stadium
• Competition: 7th round of V-League
• Live on: FP T Play, VFF Channel

Notable information before the Hà Nội vs Ninh Bình match:

The highlight of this round is at Hàng Đẫy Stadium, where Hà Nội FC (8 points) faces league leaders Ninh Bình FC (14 points). For the home side, this marks the debut of new coach Harry Kewell – an Australian football legend who had glorious years with Liverpool in the English Premier League.

However, despite 10 years managing lower-tier clubs in England and Yokohama Marinos (Japan), the 47-year-old former star has yet to leave a significant mark. Still, HNFC fans are hopeful that the partnership between Hà Nội and Kewell will positively transform both the team’s performance and the coach’s career from the “land down under.”

Another notable figure is Đỗ Hoàng Hên – also known as Hendrio – who has obtained Vietnamese citizenship, meaning he now plays as a “naturalized player” rather than a foreigner. On the opposite side, Ninh Bình FC is in strong form with 4 wins and 2 draws, maintaining their top position.

However, two consecutive draws (against Hải Phòng and Viettel) show that coach Albadalejo’s squad still faces challenges in their championship pursuit. The match promises to be thrilling and unpredictable as both teams boast national-level stars!

Expected lineups for Hà Nội vs Ninh Bình:

• Hà Nội:Văn Hoàng, Xuân Mạnh, Thành Chung, Duy Mạnh, Công Nhật, Hoàng Hên, Williams, Luiz Fernando, Tuấn Hải, Văn Quyết, Daniel Passira.
• Ninh Bình:Văn Lâm, Thanh Thịnh, Patrick Marcelino, Quang Nho, Ngọc Bảo, Bảo Toàn, Đức Chiến, Hoàng Đức, Quốc Việt, Gustavo Henrique, Daniel.