XM Hai Phong FC 0-1 Quang Ninh: Cup upset as visitors stun V.League 1 hosts

Quang Ninh produced one of the standout results of the Vietnam National Cup round, beating top-flight side XM Hai Phong FC 1-0 at Lach Tray Stadium on Sunday 20 September 2026.

A second-half goal from captain Trần Minh Hoàng settled a tense, scrappy cup tie, and a resilient defensive performance from the visitors ensured the scoreline stayed that way despite heavy late pressure from the hosts.

Match overview

Cup football has a habit of levelling the playing field, and this tie followed the familiar script. XM Hai Phong, playing in front of their own supporters, dominated possession and territory from the first whistle, but found Quang Ninh's deep defensive block difficult to break down.

The visitors defended in numbers, kept their shape well and looked to release their two forwards on the counter-attack whenever Hai Phong committed men forward. It was a disciplined, well-drilled performance that frustrated the home side and their supporters as the minutes ticked by.

• Possession: XM Hai Phong FC 63% – Quang Ninh 37%
• Shots: XM Hai Phong FC 17 – Quang Ninh 6
• Shots on target: XM Hai Phong FC 4 – Quang Ninh 2
• Corners: XM Hai Phong FC 9 – Quang Ninh 2

Key moments

The first half was one-way traffic without a goal. Hai Phong's Brazilian striker Rafael Silva hit the post in the 18th minute after a clever turn on the edge of the box, and Quang Ninh goalkeeper Nguyễn Bảo Long made a sharp low save from a free-kick shortly before the half-hour mark.

The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute. A quick Quang Ninh counter-attack down the left ended with a low cross into the penalty area, and Trần Minh Hoàng arrived late to steer the ball past the goalkeeper from close range. The small pocket of travelling fans erupted, and the tie suddenly had a very different complexion.

Hai Phong thought they had equalised in the 74th minute when a header from a corner found the net, but the referee's assistant raised his flag for offside. Replays suggested the decision was tight, and the home bench were furious.

The hosts threw everything forward in the final 15 minutes. Bảo Long saved brilliantly from a dipping effort in the 82nd minute, and in stoppage time a goalmouth scramble ended with the ball being cleared off the line by a defender who had sprinted back to cover.

Tactical story

Quang Ninh's game plan was clear and they executed it almost perfectly. Defend deep, stay compact, concede possession in harmless areas and hit hard on the transition. Their two holding midfielders screened the back four throughout, and the back line dealt well with the aerial threat posed by Hai Phong's strikers.

Hai Phong's problem was one of speed and variety. Their build-up play was patient to the point of being predictable, and too many attacks ended with a hopeful cross into a crowded penalty area. When they did manage to get in behind, the final pass or finish was lacking.

Standout players

• Trần Minh Hoàng (Quang Ninh): The captain scored the winning goal and led a disciplined defensive effort in the second half.
• Nguyễn Bảo Long (Quang Ninh): Made four saves, including two in the closing stages, to preserve the clean sheet.
• Rafael Silva (XM Hai Phong FC): The hosts' most dangerous attacker, hitting the post and forcing several half-chances, but could not find the net.
• Lê Văn Tú (Quang Ninh): Tireless in midfield, breaking up play and starting the counter-attack that led to the goal.

What it means

For Quang Ninh, this is a famous cup night and a result that will live long in the memory of their supporters. Knocking out a V.League 1 side away from home gives them momentum and a place in the next round, where they will be hoping for another favourable draw.

XM Hai Phong FC, meanwhile, are left to reflect on a missed opportunity. Cup exits are always painful, especially at home, and the club will now turn their full attention back to league matters as they look to climb the V.League 1 table.