Huynh Nhu shines, TP.HCM I creates a turning point in the championship race

TP.HCM I beat Hanoi I 1-0 in the focal point of Round 3 of the 2026 Thai Son Bac Cup National Women's Football Championship, thus securing a crucial edge in the championship chase.

The most anticipated clash of Round 3 The National Women's Football Championship – Thai Son Bac Cup 2026 between Hanoi I and TP.HCM I lived up to expectations as the two top contenders for the title delivered an exciting and tactically rich showdown. After 90 tense minutes, the reigning champions' composure proved decisive when TP.HCM I secured a narrow 1-0 victory on their opponent's home turf, thereby gaining a key advantage in the race for this season's crown.

Playing at home, Hanoi I started aggressively, determined to take all three points against their biggest rival. The capital team applied constant pressure for most of the first half with a fast-paced style and fierce midfield battles. Notable chances fell to Ngan Thi Van Su and Bien Thi Hang, but their finishes lacked the precision needed to beat TP.HCM I's well-organized defense.

On the other side, TP.HCM I did not rush to push forward; instead, they adopted a cautious approach, waiting for counterattack opportunities. As the first half progressed, Coach Kim Chi's side gained better ball control and began to apply significant pressure. Phan Thi Trang and K'Thua repeatedly troubled Hanoi I's defense, but the defenders' excellence and some unfortunate touches meant the first 45 minutes ended goalless.

The turning point of the match came early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Ngoc Tram unleashed a shot that hit the crossbar of Hanoi I's goal. In the ensuing chaos, Cu Thi Huynh Nhu was in the right place at the right time, leaping high to head in the rebound and open the scoring for TP.HCM I. This goal not only broke the deadlock for the visitors but also completely changed the game's dynamics, as Hanoi I was forced to push forward in search of an equalizer.

With the lead, TP.HCM I immediately switched to a pragmatic style, dropping deep and reinforcing their defensive structure. Meanwhile, Hanoi I tried to increase the pressure in the final minutes but encountered great difficulty against the tight defense of the visitors. The reigning champions showed their mettle in crucial moments, calmly neutralizing the opponent's attacks and avoiding any costly mistakes.

The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for TP.HCM I, a result reflecting the difference in experience and the ability to seize opportunities between the two strongest teams in Vietnamese women's football today. The precious three points not only helped Coach Kim Chi's team overcome the first major challenge of the season but also provided a significant psychological boost in their journey to defend the championship. Meanwhile, Hanoi I will need to quickly improve their finishing ability if they want to keep pace with their rivals in the upcoming rounds.