Former national team player scores again after two years

The return of Mac Hong Quan with a goal after about two years was an emotionally charged highlight in round 17 of V-League 2025/26. Yet, the Becamex TP.HCM player could not celebrate completely with his side when Vietnam U23 star Thanh Nhan managed to rectify an error to keep hopes alive for PVF CAND.

Round 17 of V-League 2025/26 at thePVFstadium on April 4 witnessed the clash between two clubs in the lower group, PVF CAND and Becamex TP.HCM. In the first leg, the capital city team lost at home to their opponent. That is why in the return leg, the squad led by Technical Director Dang Tran Chinh was determined against the team at the bottom of the table.

The emotionally charged contest heated up in the first half, when Thanh Nhan missed a penalty, causing PVF CAND to miss an opportunity to take the lead. And the former national team playerMac Hong Quanresponded immediately afterward.

After more than two years of waiting, since his last goal in June 2024, the Vietnamese-origin midfielder finally rediscovered his scoring touch. The goal at the 40th minute, originating from a failed clearance by young defender Pham Ly Duc, allowedHong Quanto score.

That moment reminded people of a time when the 34-year-old player was once the hope of Vietnamese football, from the U23 squad to the national team. Yet, that goal itself reflected the reality of a forward striving to reclaim his value in the final days of his career.

Becamex TP.HCM's decision to give an opportunity to the player born in 1992, who had drifted down to the First Division wearing Quang Ninh's colors, was a gamble. But to some extent, this player proved his experience benefits the club.

However, Becamex TP.HCM ultimately did not achieve full joy. Vietnam U23 star Thanh Nhan redeemed himself timely with a goal in the middle of the second half to equalize 1-1.

For PVF CAND, 1 point is insufficient. Coach Tran Tien Dat and his team remain rooted at the bottom of the table with 12 points. This is a frustrating situation for the V-League newcomer, as they still cannot climb up despite many efforts.

Meanwhile, Becamex TP.HCM, despite gaining an additional point, cannot feel secure as they remain in the lower group. Technical Director Dang Tran Chinh's team has 19 points and holds the 10th position.

The concerning aspect is that both teams displayed fragility in controlling the match. PVF-CAND played proactively but lacked sharpness, while Becamex TP.HCM was pragmatic but not sufficiently solid to preserve their advantage.