Cong An Ha Noi FC, the police-backed club, started their V.League 1 season with an impressive 3-1 home win over Hoang Anh Gia Lai on February 28, 2026. At Hang Day Stadium, the hosts demonstrated their attacking prowess and physical strength to overpower their opponents. Cong An Ha Noi took an early two-goal lead, showcasing their set-piece threat with two headers from corners. Hoang Anh Gia Lai pulled one back before halftime to make a game of it. Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished early in the second half when Cong An Ha Noi restored their two-goal advantage with a powerful drive from outside the box. The match result announced Cong An Ha Noi as serious contenders and put early pressure on the traditional title challengers. The winning coach praised his team's intensity from the first whistle.