Bia Sao Vàng Play-off Match 2025/26: Bac Ninh FC secure promotion to V.League 1 2026/27
Bac Ninh FC were not considered favorites against PVF-CAND heading into the 2025/26 Bia Sao Vàng Play-off match, whether judged by the history of previous play-off encounters or by the teams’ current strength and form.
However, coach Paulo Foiani’s side displayed tremendous determination, resilience, and composure at crucial moments to overcome the odds and defeat a more highly rated opponent, securing a place in the 2026/27 V.League 1 season.
Bac Ninh FC, runners-up in the 2025/26 Bia Sao Vàng National First Division, did not adopt an overly cautious approach. Instead, they surprised many by taking the initiative and applying early pressure on a PVF-CAND side featuring several players who had previously starred for Vietnam’s U23 national team. This aggressive start left the PVF-CAND players somewhat unsettled and struggling to find their rhythm during the opening stages of the match, particularly throughout the first two-thirds of the first half.
After coming under sustained pressure, PVF-CAND defender Van Thuan fouled Van Dai of Bac Ninh FC inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, Singaporean referee Ahmad A’Qashah awarded a penalty kick. In the 33rd minute, Bruno—who finished as the second-highest scorer in the National First Division with 10 goals—kept his composure from the spot to give Bac Ninh FC a 1-0 lead.
Conceding the opening goal prompted Thanh Nhan and his teammates to regroup. PVF-CAND tightened their shape, competed more effectively in midfield, and gradually took control of possession, creating a number of chances in front of the opposition goal. For much of the remainder of the match, especially in the second half, PVF-CAND dictated the attacking play and generated several promising opportunities.
The efforts of coach Tran Tien Dai’s players were rewarded in the 55th minute when Hoang Vu Samson headed home an excellent cross from Eid Mahmoud to level the score at 1-1.
Both teams then adopted a more cautious approach, and the match finished 1-1 after regulation time, sending the contest to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. In the shootout, goalkeepers Sy Huy of PVF-CAND and Tuan Linh of Bac Ninh FC both delivered outstanding performances, producing a dramatic and nerve-racking battle from the spot for the fans in attendance and those watching from afar.
PVF-CAND FC, who finished 13th in the LPBank V.League 1 2025/26 season, had a golden opportunity to secure their place in the top flight if they could convert their decisive fifth penalty. However, Ba Dat failed to beat the outstanding Tuan Linh, who produced a crucial save to keep Bac Ninh FC alive.
The drama continued into the seventh round of the shootout, where Tuan Linh once again emerged as the hero by saving Vu Tin’s penalty. His intervention paved the way for a teammate to convert the subsequent kick, sealing a 5-4 victory for Bac Ninh FC in the penalty shootout.
Congratulations to Bac Ninh FC on a well-deserved victory, and welcome to the 2026/27 V.League 1 season!
