Bac Ninh football makes history

Underestimated and facing a seasoned V-League representative burdened by history—where the last five playoffs all saw the higher-division team prevail—Bac Ninh nevertheless created a fairy tale in Ha Tinh on the evening of June 12.

With courageous spirit, the cunning of veteran players, and the golden hands of goalkeeper Tuan Linh, coach Paulo Foiani's team defeated PVF CAND after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout to secure their first-ever spot in the 2026/27 V-League.

History seemed to favor PVF CAND before the ball rolled at Ha Tinh Stadium. The last five playoffs all saw the V-League representative successfully defend their status against First Division teams. Moreover, coach Tran Tien Dai's squad boasted several Vietnam U23 internationals like Thanh Nhan, Xuan Bac, Ly Duc, Anh Quan, along with seasoned veteran Samson Hoang Vu.

But football is always captivating because of the unpredictable.

Bac Ninh entered the match with the mindset of conquerors. Unburdened by the pressure to win for survival like their opponents, Coach Paulo Foiani's team brought energy, confidence, and fierce ambition. In the stands, Bac Ninh fans traveled hundreds of kilometers to Ha Tinh, fueling the team standing at the threshold of history.

From the opening minutes, PVF CAND showed signs of tension. Their young stars constantly struggled against the proactive play of their opponents. Within the first 20 minutes alone, Bac Ninh created at least three dangerous chances, rattling the PVF CAND defense commanded by goalkeeper Sy Huy.

Up front, Bruno Cunha became a real nightmare for Coach Tran Tien Dai's players. The Brazilian striker's experience, strength, and intelligent movement left young center-back Ly Duc flustered, even hesitant in direct duels at times.

The pressure mounted, and the turning point came in the 28th minute. After consulting VAR, referee Ahmad Qasha ruled that Van Dai had been fouled inside the box. The penalty decision sparked fierce protests from PVF CAND players but couldn't change the outcome. From the spot, Bruno calmly beat goalkeeper Sy Huy in the 32nd minute, giving Bac Ninh a deserved lead.

It was a reward for the better team.

The goal added to PVF CAND's pressure. On the sideline, Coach Tran Tien Dai repeatedly urged his players. Meanwhile, Coach Paulo Foiani showed full control. The Brazilian manager knew his colleague well—they had worked together at CLB CAHN when they won the 2023 V-League—and had prepared meticulously for this match.

The first half ended with Bac Ninh holding the advantage, while PVF CAND went into the break in a state of anxiety.

After the break, the V-League team had to push forward. Their experience from the 2023 playoff kept them from giving up. In the 55th minute, from a wing attack, Samson Hoang Vu leaped to head the ball past Tuan Linh, leveling the score.

The equalizer relieved some pressure for PVF CAND, but it wasn't enough to dominate the game. Bac Ninh remained solid thanks to seasoned players like Hai Huy, Van Thiet, Xuan Quyet, Van Dai, and Tuan Linh. The final minutes were tense, but neither side added another goal.

The fateful penalty shootout became the decider for the V-League ticket.

PVF CAND shot first and seemed to have the psychological edge. Bruno missed the first attempt, putting Bac Ninh on the back foot early. However, Tuan Linh's composure began to shine. The veteran goalkeeper continuously applied mental pressure on the young opposing players.

The turning point came in the fifth round. With the score at 3-2 in favor of PVF CAND, Thai Ba Dat had the chance to seal the match. But under immense pressure, the young midfielder couldn't beat Tuan Linh. Immediately after, Trong Son converted to bring Bac Ninh back into the contest.

In the seventh round, real tragedy struck PVF CAND. Center-back Vu Tin shot to the right corner, but Tuan Linh made another brilliant save. The entire stands erupted. On the decisive spot kick, Thanh Khoi calmly beat Sy Huy, securing a 5-4 victory in the shootout.

The final whistle sounded, marking a new chapter in Bac Ninh football history.

From a team that was underestimated, Bac Ninh wrote their own story with relentless fighting spirit. They overcame prejudice, defied historical weight, and defeated a V-League representative to earn the precious ticket to Vietnam's top football league.

The hero of the Ha Tinh night was undoubtedly Tuan Linh, with his crucial penalty saves. But this achievement belongs to the entire Bac Ninh collective—people who fought with all their belief to turn the V-League dream into reality.