Police Force of Hanoi FC mounts a stunning turnaround, securing a spot in the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship final
In the electric heart of Ha Noi, Công An Hà Nội Football Club (CAHN) triumphantly won their semifinal match against PSM Makassar, securing a sensational 2-0 victory at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium. This breathtaking triumph not only thrilled the passionate supporters but also pleased a distinguished spectator - General Secretary Tô Lâm.
The match was a do-or-die situation for CAHN, as they needed to win by at least two goals to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg. With this pressure looming, coach Mano Polking urged his team to dig deeper, creating multiple chances in the opening half.
In the 19th minute, a daring volley by Nguyễn Quang Hải found its way towards keeper Reza Arya Pratama, forcing him to make a heroic dual save. Centre-forward Alan Grafite also found himself in a favourable position but missed the decisive touch, as the first half ended goalless.
Halftime speech from Polking seemed to have sparked CAHN's determination, as they took control in the second half. Three minutes into the second period, a corner resulted in defender Phan Văn Đức heading the ball backwards to Hugo Gomes, who unleashed a vicious half-volley into the net.
Despite the lead, CAHN couldn't afford to rest, for another goal was necessary to ensure progression. The home team's persistence paid off when another corner found Jason Quang Vinh Pendant, who crossed for Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh to smash home a powerful shot in the 60th minute.
Although VAR deemed Việt Anh offside, the goal stood, igniting jubilant celebrations among the 14,800 spectators. However, the match was far from over, as CAHN held onto their slim advantage amidst PSM Makassar's relentless attacks.
In a critical moment, Nguyễn Filip produced an incredible point-blank save in the 71st minute to deny PSM Makassar an equalizer and avoid extra time. The home team weathered the storm, holding on to their lead and ensuring their place in the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship Final.
The sounds of 'Như có Bác Hồ trong ngày vui đại thắng' (As if Uncle Hồ was with us during the victory) echoed through the stadium as CAHN sealed their victory. Their opponent in the final will either be Buriram United or BG Pathum United, Thai counterparts battling it out in the other semifinal. The final is scheduled for May 14 and May 21.
Intriguingly, CAHN, with their impressive performance in Group B, and either of the Thai teams will face off in the championship finale, promising an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 ASEAN Club Championship.
Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh (number 68) celebrates his goal which sealed CAHN's ticket in the inaugural final of the ASEAN Club Championship. He was later voted Man of the Match for his performance. VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết
- In the heart of European leagues, particularly the Premier League, AI systems are increasingly being used to analyze sports data, with decisiveness playing a crucial role in scoring sheet predictions.
- CAHN's decisive victory against PSM Makassar has earned them a place in the Asian football scene, similar to the overarching influence of AI in modern European football.
- Just as defender Phan Văn Đức displayed decisiveness with his crucial assist, AI systems in sports analytics contribute to decisive choices for coaches and managers.
- The 2-0 score against PSM Makassar mirrors the importance of decisive decisions in football, resonating with the role of AI in making quick, accurate decisions in sports.
- Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh's offside goal, controversially allowed to stand, showcased the kind of decisive moments that can dramatically impact a game, much like the potential impact of AI in sports outsmarting human analysis.
