Defeating Hai Phong, PVF-CAND revives hope of avoiding relegation

(Football result) - PVF-CAND keeps their relegation escape hopes alive in the V.League 2025/26 following a 3-1 home win against Hai Phong in round 25. This important victory enables the police-affiliated club to stay in contention for safety as the season nears its end.

Entering the match with high determination, PVF-CAND took an early lead just three minutes in. From a precise cross by Van Dung on the right flank, Mpande jumped high to head the ball past his former club, putting the hosts ahead.

After conceding early, Hai Phong pushed forward in search of an equalizer. The visitors controlled more possession and applied significant pressure for much of the first half. However, inaccurate passes in the final third prevented Hai Phong's attacks from being effective. The most notable chance came in the 38th minute when Minh Di executed a troublesome free kick that forced goalkeeper Sy Huy to punch the ball clear. Toward the end of the first half, Xuan Bac and Ly Duc had consecutive opportunities but failed to capitalize.

In the second half, PVF-CAND demonstrated sharpness in transition situations. In the 62nd minute, Thanh Nhan sent a dangerous cross that goalkeeper Van Luan failed to handle cleanly. Vo Anh Quan quickly rushed in to slot home the rebound, doubling the hosts' lead.

Just over ten minutes later, Thanh Nhan left his mark again with a solo run past three Hai Phong players before setting up Hoang Vu Samson, who finished decisively with his left foot, making it 3-0 and effectively sealing the match.

Hai Phong's efforts only earned them a consolation goal in the 89th minute. Luiz Antonio took a free kick from outside the box; the shot wasn't particularly dangerous, but goalkeeper Sy Huy mishandled it, letting the ball slip from his hands and roll into the net. Nonetheless, that was all the visitors could muster as the game ended 3-1 in favor of PVF-CAND.

This result keeps PVF-CAND's survival hopes alive, as they now have 21 points, level with Becamex Ho Chi Minh City but trailing due to an inferior goal difference. In the final round, PVF-CAND will travel to face SLNA on June 7 at 6:00 PM in a match that will be decisive for the relegation battle.

MATCH ENDED. PVF CAND 3-1 Hai Phong

89': GOALLLLL. PVF CAND 3-1 Hai Phong

Luiz Antonio took a free kick from outside the box; the ball wasn't too difficult, but goalkeeper Sy Huy made an error, letting it slip from his hands and fly straight into the net.

75': GOALLLLL. PVF CAND 3-0 Hai Phong

Thanh Nhan dribbled past three Hai Phong players before assisting Hoang Vu Samson, who finished with his left foot to make it 3-0 for the hosts.

62': GOALLLLL. PVF CAND 2-0 Hai Phong

Goalkeeper Van Luan failed to hold onto the ball after a cross from Thanh Nhan, allowing Vo Anh Quan to rush in and confidently slot home the rebound, making it 2-0 for PVF-CAND.

46': The second half begins.
END OF FIRST HALF. PVF CAND 1-0 Hai Phong

45': CONSECUTIVE MISSES

Xuan Bac and Ly Duc each missed opportunities, failing to convert close-range finishes and headers toward Van Luan's goal.

38': UNFORTUNATE

Minh Di took a difficult free kick that forced goalkeeper Sy Huy to punch it clear, after which Hai Phong players repeatedly looked for scoring chances but could not break through the hosts' well-organized defense.

35': VISITORS APPLY PRESSURE

Hai Phong had more possession and mounted continuous attacks, but inaccurate passes in the final third prevented them from creating breakthroughs. On the other side, PVF-CAND also failed to make the most of their counter-attacking opportunities.

20': BALANCED GAME

After the opening goal, the match slowed down as neither side created many notable chances at the opponent's goal.

3'. GOALLLLL. PVF CAND 1-0 Hai Phong

From a precise cross by Van Dung, Mpande jumped high to head the ball past his former club, giving PVF-CAND the lead.

1': The match begins

Starting lineups

Where to watch PVF CAND vs Hai Phong live?

• Kickoff time:6:00 PM on May 31, 2026
• Venue:PVF Stadium
• Competition:V.League 2025/26
• Live broadcast:F PT Play

Preview PVF CAND vs Hai Phong: Fighting to the last breath

PVF-CAND is entering a do-or-die phase of the season, with the relegation battle down to the final two rounds. The 1-1 draw away at The Cong Viettel in the previous round reignited hope for the police team, but they remain the most disadvantaged club among the bottom group. With 18 points, PVF-CAND sits at the bottom of the table and must win both remaining matches to keep any hope of avoiding direct relegation, or at least secure a play-off spot.

Hosting Hai Phong at home is seen as the best possible opportunity for PVF-CAND to target three points. Unlike the hosts, who are under immense pressure regarding points, Hai Phong has largely accomplished its mission this season. The port city team sits sixth with 31 points and has little left to compete for in the remainder of the campaign.

Recent moves indicate that Hai Phong has already begun planning their squad for the new season. With several key players no longer featuring regularly and a 0-2 defeat to Da Nang in the latest round, it appears coach Dang Van Thanh is prioritizing squad rotation and giving opportunities to young or less-used players.

Nevertheless, Hai Phong remains a tough opponent to beat, given their relaxed mindset and open style of play. However, with home advantage and the determination to fight for survival, PVF-CAND is considered to have the edge in motivation. If they can capitalize on their chances against a Hai Phong side with little left to play for, coach Tran Tien Dai's team can certainly take all three points to continue their arduous relegation battle.

Expected lineups for PVF CAND vs Hai Phong

• PVF CAND: Sy Huy, Van Viet, Anh Viet, Ly Duc, Lucas Henrique, Van Dung, Cong Den, Huy Hung, Thanh Nhan, Mpande, Alastair.

• Hai Phong: Van Luan, Thai Hoc, Van Bac, Nhat Minh, Thai Bao, Huu Nam, Manh Dung, Huu Son, Antonio Souza, Tagueu, Fletcher.