In the quarter-final match held on the evening of March 21, Ninh Binh won dramatically 3-2 against PVF-CAND to register for the semi-finals. Although rated higher thanks to possessing many experienced players such as Nguyen Hoang Duc or Dang Van Lam, coach Vu Tien Thanh's team faced many difficulties against the opponent who is at the bottom of the V.League standings.
After a tight match and continuous goals were scored equally for both teams, the turning point only came in the 90+3 minute of injury time when Pham Gia Hung scored the winning goal for Ninh Binh. This was also coach Vu Tien Thanh's first victory since taking over the team.
Meanwhile, in the remaining match taking place on the same day, The Cong Viettel defeated Bac Ninh FC with a score of 1-0 to win the right to advance. The army representative continued to show certainty in their playing style and bravery at important moments to be in the group of four strongest teams in the tournament.
Previously, Nam Dinh and Ho Chi Minh City Police soon won tickets to the semi-finals after overcoming their opponents in the quarter-finals held earlier. Both teams are maintaining stable form this season and are considered bright candidates for the championship.
According to the draw results, Nam Dinh will face Ho Chi Minh City Police, while Ninh Binh will face The Cong Viettel in the semi-finals. The two matches are predicted to be attractive as all four teams possess quality forces and determination to go deep in the National Cup season 2025-2026.
