Ninh Bình suffered a home defeat against Hanoi FC after two VAR-denied goals.

The fierce battle between Ninh Bình and Hanoi FC unfolded with high tension and numerous disputed situations, especially as the home side saw two goals disallowed by VAR. Even with great determination, Ninh Bình conceded a 2-3 loss at their own stadium.

Ninh Bình lost to Hanoi right at home.

From the early minutes, the visiting team displayed superior quality. In the 4th minute, Đỗ Hùng Dũng opened the scoring with a clever low strike from outside the box, leaving Đặng Văn Lâm no chance to save. Shortly after, Xuân Mạnh nearly doubled the lead with a volley that hit the crossbar.

Hanoi's persistent pressure materialized late in the first half. From Hoàng Hên's corner, Anh Tiệp finished close-range to make it 2-0 in the 45+1 minute. However, Ninh Bình managed to narrow the gap to 1-2 before halftime when Geovane capitalized on a chaotic situation to score.

Three goals were scored in the first half of the match. Screenshot.

The second half continued with lively action. In the 58th minute, Nguyễn Văn Quyết shot, the ball hitting the crossbar and bouncing down; the referee confirmed it had crossed the line, raising Hanoi's lead to 3-1. Ninh Bình refused to give up and reduced the deficit to 2-3 in the 61st minute via Quốc Việt's free-kick, which deflected off the wall, leaving goalkeeper Quan Văn Chuẩn helpless.

The drama peaked late in the match when Ninh Bình twice put the ball into Hanoi's net but both goals were disallowed. In the 82nd minute, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức fired home after a rebound, but VAR ruled forward Friday was offside earlier. Prior to that, Friday himself fell in the box but no penalty was given due to an offside violation.

Quốc Việt and Văn Quyết scored in the second half. Photo by Minh Dân.

Despite mounting heavy pressure in the final minutes, Ninh Bình couldn't find an equalizer. Meanwhile, Hanoi nearly sealed the win in the 90+6th minute, but Nguyễn Hai Long's shot went over the bar in a one-on-one situation. Ultimately, Ninh Bình lost 2-3 to Hanoi FC in a match where VAR played a pivotal role, costing the hosts a chance to earn points at home.

With this victory, Hanoi not only solidified their 4th place but also breathed down Ninh Bình's neck, trailing them by just 1 point. That gap remains very fragile with six rounds still left in the league.