Hanoi Police Club (CAHN) faced a disappointing exit from the 2023 National Cup as they lost 2-3 on penalties (1-1) to Nam Dinh in the round of 16.
Despite having star players like Nguyen Quang Hai and Filip Nguyen, CAHN failed to assert their superiority over Nam Dinh. The home team found themselves in a stalemate in attack and were vulnerable to dangerous counter-attacks from Nam Dinh, which required Filip Nguyen to make crucial saves. Notably, Doan Thanh Truong's stretching shot was denied in the 44th minute.
After a goalless first half, CAHN was handed a numerical advantage when Ngo Duc Huy of Nam Dinh received an indirect red card in the 56th minute. However, playing with an extra man didn't translate into an immediate advantage for CAHN as Nam Dinh took the lead once again. In the 65th minute, a substitute player replaced Hendrio da Silva and combined with Tran Ngoc Son to score a precise left-footed finish past Filip Nguyen.
Soon after goalkeeper Nguyen Manh had to be substituted due to an injury, CAHN swiftly equalized through Raphael Success. With the match deadlocked in regular time, the game went into a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Jhon Cley, Nguyen Quang Hai, and Vu Van Thanh all failed to convert their penalties, leading to CAHN's 2-3 defeat. Nam Dinh's captain, Duong Thanh Hao, sealed the victory for his team.
Having been eliminated in the round of 16 of the National Cup, CAHN can now shift their focus entirely to the ongoing 2023 V.League championship race. Meanwhile, Nam Dinh will face Viettel in the quarterfinals of the competition.
