Vietnamese overseas midfielder Mac Hong Quan 'fires his shot' after two years of waiting

Mac Hong Quan scores again after nearly two years but cannot help Becamex TP.HCM secure all three points against PVF CAND.

The return of Mac Hong Quan with a goal after nearly two years is the biggest highlight of round 17 in V-League 2025/26. In the context of his career having passed its peak, this scoring moment carries not only professional significance but also evokes the image of a former national team player once highly anticipated in the colors of the Vietnamese national team.

The match between PVF CAND and Becamex TP.HCM at PVF's stadium unfolded under heavy pressure for both teams in the lower group. However, the spotlight belonged to Mac Hong Quan – a player no longer at his peak form but still capable of making his mark at the right moment in a tightly contested match.

The turning point came at the end of the first half, when PVF CAND missed an opportunity to advance after Thanh Nhan's failed penalty kick. Immediately afterward, Mac Hong Quan capitalized on a defensive mistake by the opponent to score in the 40th minute, marking his first 'shot' after a long period of silence.

That goal not only gave Becamex TP.HCM a lead but also held significant meaning for the 1992-born player personally. Having matured from the U23 generation and worn the national team jersey, Hong Quan now strives to reclaim his value in the final years of his career, following a period of ups and downs and playing in the First Division.

Nevertheless, his joy was not complete. In the second half, Thanh Nhan redeemed himself with an equalizing goal of 1-1, rendering Mac Hong Quan's scoring effort unable to secure a victory. This scenario also partly reflects the current situation of Becamex TP.HCM – an experienced team lacking the stability to preserve an advantage.

Ultimately, each team gained one more point but still struggles in the lower group. For PVF CAND, they remain at the bottom of the table, while Becamex TP.HCM has yet to break away. For Mac Hong Quan personally, the goal after nearly two years remains a positive signal, not only for the club but also recalling the image of a former Vietnamese national team player who was once a hope on the offensive line.