Xuan Thien Phu Tho Records First-Ever Victory in the National First Division Football Championship

On the afternoon of October 25, at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Xuan Thien Phu Tho FC recorded their first victory of the 2025 - 2026 season after defeating Van Hien University FC in Round 5 of the National First Division Football Championship. Remarkably, this was also the first-ever win in the club’s history.

In the starting lineup, Phu Tho made several changes compared to their previous match against PVF-CAND in round 4, with the most notable being the return of foreign player Yago Ramos. Other players such as Tieu Trung Hieu and Hoang Minh Tuan were also included in the starting eleven instead of being on the bench. On the other side, Van Hien University FC was buoyed by their victory over Dong Thap in the previous round entered the match full of confidence. However, their head coach - Nguyen Dinh Hung chose to keep foreign striker Jermie Lynch on the bench.

Captain Hoang Minh Tuan scores the opening goal for Xuan Thien Phu Tho.

The two teams started cautiously and evenly. Xuan Thien Phu Tho appeared far more composed and organized than in previous rounds. In the first half, while clear-cut chances were limited, Phu Tho controlled possession and dictated the tempo. Coach Le Quoc Vuong’s players managed defensive transitions effectively, particularly in moments when the home side looked to counterattack.

The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when captain Hoang Minh Tuan made a run down the on the right flank. His low cross deflected off Dinh Quy of Van Hien University FC, looping high over goalkeeper Thanh Tuan and into the net to give Phu Tho a 1 - 0 lead.

In the second half, Xuan Thien Phu Tho played with growing confidence and created more opportunities than in the first. Their relentless pressure paid off in the 58th minute when they were awarded a penalty. From the spot, Le Quang Hien calmly converted to double the lead to 2 - 0.

No.18 Le Quang Hien celebrates after successfully converting the penalty.

This marked both the team’s first win of the season and the first-ever victory in Xuan Thien Phu Tho FC’s history. The valuable three points helped coach Le Quoc Vuong and his players overtake Van Hien University FC and temporarily move up to 8th place on the V.League 2 standings, with 5 points after five rounds.

In the next round, Xuan Thien Phu Tho FC will return to their ground at Viet Tri Stadium to host Khatoco Khanh Hoa at 6:00 p.m. on November 1.

Huy Tran