Van Tam Dong Nai advance to semifinals of National U.9 Football Tournament Toyota Cup 2025

U.9 Van Tam Dong Nai achieved a convincing 3-1 victory over Phu Tho FC in the quarterfinals, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the National U.9 Football Tournament Toyota Cup 2025 held in Tay Ninh.

U.9 Van Tam Dong Nai players celebrate reaching the semi-finals of the tournament. Photo: Screenshot

 On the afternoon of August 21, 4 quarterfinal matches of the National U.9 Football Tournament, Toyota Cup 2025, took place at the Tay Ninh Provincial Gymnasium.

In the fourth quarterfinal, the latest match of the afternoon, U.9 Van Tam Dong Nai faced off against U.9 Phu Tho FC. The two sides played an evenly matched game in the opening minutes. However, in the 10th minute, Van Tam Dong Nai unexpectedly conceded the first goal. From a direct free kick near midfield, Gia Khanh (19) unleashed a powerful long-range shot that flew straight into the net, leaving the Van Tam Dong Nai goalkeeper with no chance, giving Phu Tho FC the lead.

Despite coming under pressure from the opponent's attacks, Van Tam Dong Nai held firm and looked to strike on the counter. In one such break, they found the equalizer in the 14th minute with a stunning overhead kick from Tan Loc, leveling the score at 1-1 and bringing the match back to square one.

Despite being forced to defend against a series of dangerous attacks, Van Tam Dong Nai reclaimed the lead with a well-executed counter-attack. In the 18th minute, after winning the ball back in their half, Ngoc Luan made a powerful run toward the opponent's goal, passed to a teammate, then finished the move himself with a strike that put his team ahead 2-1.

Le Ngoc Luan (front) and his teammates celebrate after scoring the goal to increase the score to 3-1 for their team. Photo: Screenshot

In the second half, Phu Tho FC players increased their attacks in an attempt to equalize. But before they could score, Phu Tho FC conceded another goal in the 30th minute. From a powerful kick by their goalkeeper, taking advantage of the opposing goalkeeper slipping and falling, Ngoc Luan shot into the net to increase the score to 3-1 for Van Tam Dong Nai, thereby completing a brace for himself. Despite their efforts to attack afterwards, Phu Tho FC could not change the situation and accepted defeat. With a final score of 3-1 against Phu Tho FC, U.9 Van Tam Dong Nai secured a spot in the semi-finals and for the first time entered the top 4 strongest teams in the tournament.

With this result, the two semi-final matches have been determined, including: Hanoi Club to face Viet Hung Thanh Hoa, and Song Lam Nghe An to face Van Tam Dong Nai.

Both semi-final matches will take place on the afternoon of August 23

By Anh Tam

Translated by Mai Nga-Minho