In the opening match, Hanoi created a big surprise when they started proactively and effectively. In the first minute, Xuan Linh opened the score after a beautiful combination, and just 2 minutes later, Trung Kien doubled the gap with an accurate shot.
Not accepting to be behind, Tan Hiep Hung HCMC rose strongly. In the 6th minute, Duc Quyen dribbled the ball skillfully on the left wing and then shot diagonally to reduce the score to 1-2.
At the end of the first half, the match was exciting with many dangerous opportunities. Notably, in the 19th minute, Hanoi committed a 6th foul, giving Tan Hiep Hung HCM a 10-meter free kick opportunity, but goalkeeper Tuan Phong excellently blocked Cong Dai's shot.
Entering the second half, the game continued to struggle. In the 25th minute, goalkeeper Le Hau serves the ball accurately for Cong Dai to escape and finish neatly, equalizing the score 2-2. In the final minutes, the two teams used the power-play tactic to find the decisive goal but were unsuccessful. Goalkeeper Le Hau of Tan Hiep Hung played excellently when he repeatedly denied the opponent's dangerous shots, contributing to keeping 1 point for the home team.
Playing with the strongest squad, including the return of pivo Nguyen Minh Tri after injury, Thai Son Nam HCMC quickly took over the game. However, Saigon Titans defended tightly and resiliently. Goalkeeper Thanh Bao stood out with many impressive saves against the shots of Minh Tri, Duc Hoa and Ngoc Linh.
The first half ended without a goal. In the second half, Thai Son Nam HCMC increased the speed, increasing the pressure. In the 23rd minute, Duc Hoa fired a dangerous shot and just one minute later, Chu Van Tien's shot hit the post. The continuous pressure was finally concretized in the 27th minute, when Thinh Phat took advantage of the space in the penalty area, accurately finishing to open the score to 1-0 after a good combination with his teammates.
Despite having a few more opportunities to double the gap, including a very good finish by Minh Tri at the end of the match, Thai Son Nam HCMC could not score more goals. However, 3 full points helped the defending runner-up start the tournament this year.
