CAHN opens 2026-2027 V-League with 3-1 victory over Hanoi FC

On the evening of September 5, 2026, at their home ground, Cong An TP.HCM (CAHN) made a highly impressive start to the 2026-2027 V-League season with a 3-1 victory over Hanoi FC. This was the centerpiece match of the opening round, and CAHN showcased their ambition with a convincing win against their traditional rivals. From the beginning, the match was rather balanced and lacked rhythm as both teams were still finding their footing. However, in the 27th minute, CAHN broke the deadlock. Nguyen Tien Linh rose to head the ball in from a teammate's cross, beating Hanoi FC goalkeeper Van Chuan. The goal from an aerial delivery relieved the pressure on the home side. In the second half, CAHN played more cohesively and controlled the game better. In the 52nd minute, Quoc Cuong executed a long-range strike from outside the box, doubling CAHN's lead. It was a powerful and unexpected shot that caught Hanoi FC's defense off guard. Hanoi FC refused to give up easily. In the 64th minute, Andrew Jung pulled one back for the visitors with a goal inside the box, making it 1-2. However, their hopes lasted only until the 83rd minute when Jason Cummings sealed the 3-1 victory for CAHN with a deflected long-range shot that beat goalkeeper Van Chuan. The highlight of the match was the diversity in CAHN's goals. They scored via a header from a cross, a long-range strike, and a deflected shot. This shows CAHN is not overly dependent on a single tactical pattern, a positive sign for the new season. For Hanoi FC, conceding two goals from outside the box indicates their defensive midfield failed to close down shooters effectively. Goalkeeper Van Chuan tried his best but had to pick the ball out of the net three times. This is something the Hanoi FC coaching staff needs to address soon if they aim to compete for the title. Another important storyline was the return of Nguyen Tien Linh. The striker had been carrying psychological pressure for a long time, and the opening goal in the season opener helped him overcome those difficulties. Tien Linh's precise header showed his sharp scoring instincts and ability to shine in key moments. This also brings joy to Vietnam national team fans, as Tien Linh's club form directly impacts his contributions to the national squad. Jason Cummings, CAHN's new signing, also had a perfect debut by scoring the seal-the-deal goal. Although he had a somewhat difficult start adapting to the team's style, this goal will boost his confidence in the upcoming matches. This is a positive sign for CAHN's investment in an internationally experienced player. This match showed that CAHN possesses multiple attacking threats. Three different scorers shining in a single match serves as a warning to title rivals. CAHN earned their first three points and gained significant psychological momentum for the long campaign. Meanwhile, Hanoi FC will need to review this loss. A 1-3 defeat against a direct rival in the opening round is an undesirable start. Conceding three goals raises questions about their defensive organization. However, the season is still long, and Hanoi FC has time to correct these mistakes. For CAHN, this victory is a perfect stepping stone toward their championship goal. Although it is only the first round, winning against a strong opponent like Hanoi FC will certainly reinforce the team's confidence. Can the public security team maintain this form throughout the season? Let's wait and see in the upcoming rounds.