Becamex Ho Chi Minh City 2-3 Thai Nguyen: Visitors Edge Five-Goal Thriller in Vietnam National First Class League

Thai Nguyen claimed a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Becamex Ho Chi Minh City in the Vietnam National First Class League on 23 October 2026, winning a five-goal contest that swung back and forth before being settled late in the second half. The result gave Thai Nguyen three valuable points on the road and left Becamex Ho Chi Minh City to reflect on a home defeat in which they twice fought back but could not hold on.

Played under evening conditions, the match quickly developed into an open, transition-heavy contest. Becamex Ho Chi Minh City looked to control possession and build through midfield, while Thai Nguyen were content to defend in a compact block and attack quickly when turnovers arrived. That contrast shaped much of the night and produced a scoreline that rarely felt secure for either side.

Match overview

Thai Nguyen made the brighter start and opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Nguyen Van Hieu found space inside the penalty area and finished calmly. The early goal forced Becamex Ho Chi Minh City to raise their tempo, and the hosts gradually began to impose themselves through sustained possession and pressure down the flanks. Their response arrived in the 34th minute when Tran Minh Quan connected with a well-worked move and levelled the score at 1-1.

The equaliser changed the mood inside the ground, but Thai Nguyen restored their advantage just before the hour mark. Nguyen Van Hieu struck again in the 58th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball and converting his second goal of the evening. Becamex Ho Chi Minh City refused to fold, and Le Duc Anh brought the home side level once more in the 76th minute with a composed finish that set up a tense final stretch.

With the match seemingly heading toward a draw, Thai Nguyen found the decisive moment in the 88th minute. Pham Minh Tuan arrived in the right place to convert a late attacking move and seal a 3-2 win, sparking celebrations among the visiting players and bench. Becamex Ho Chi Minh City pushed forward in the closing minutes, but Thai Nguyen managed the game well enough to protect their narrow lead until the final whistle.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Nguyen Van Hieu gives Thai Nguyen an early lead with a sharp finish inside the box.
• 34th minute: Tran Minh Quan equalises for Becamex Ho Chi Minh City after a period of sustained home pressure.
• 58th minute: Nguyen Van Hieu scores his second of the match to put Thai Nguyen back in front.
• 76th minute: Le Duc Anh levels again for Becamex Ho Chi Minh City, setting up a dramatic finish.
• 88th minute: Pham Minh Tuan scores the winning goal for Thai Nguyen.

Tactical story

Becamex Ho Chi Minh City’s approach was built on possession and patient build-up, with their midfield looking to feed the wide areas and create crossing opportunities. That plan worked in patches, especially during the spells either side of their first equaliser, but it also left them exposed when moves broke down. Thai Nguyen were disciplined without the ball and dangerous in transition, repeatedly finding space between the home side’s midfield and defensive lines.

The visitors’ willingness to attack quickly proved decisive. Their first two goals came from moments when Becamex Ho Chi Minh City were not fully set, and the late winner followed a similar pattern: a quick forward move that stretched the home defence and created the opening for Pham Minh Tuan. Becamex Ho Chi Minh City will point to their resilience in twice coming from behind, but the timing of the goals conceded will be a source of frustration.

Standout players

Nguyen Van Hieu was the obvious attacking catalyst for Thai Nguyen, scoring twice and constantly troubling the Becamex Ho Chi Minh City back line with his movement. Pham Minh Tuan’s late winner underlined his importance in the big moment, while Thai Nguyen’s midfield deserves credit for the speed with which they turned defence into attack.

For Becamex Ho Chi Minh City, Tran Minh Quan and Le Duc Anh both delivered important goals and kept the hosts in the contest. Their performances ensured the home side remained competitive until the closing stages, even if the final result slipped away. The match also highlighted the fine margins in the Vietnam National First Class League, where a single late lapse can decide the points.

Season impact

The win strengthens Thai Nguyen’s position and gives them momentum for the next round of fixtures. For Becamex Ho Chi Minh City, the defeat is a missed opportunity to take points at home, particularly after twice recovering from a deficit. With the Vietnam National First Class League table remainin