Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC won the 2025/26 Vietnamese Cup on Sunday after defeating Ninh Bình FC 2-1 in the final, earning both domestic silverware and a place in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ 2026/27.
The victory sees Cong An HCMC become Vietnam's second representative in next season's Shopee Cup™, joining newly-crowned V.League 1 champions Công An Hà Nội FC in the regional competition.
Playing at Ninh Bình Stadium, Cong An HCMC struck twice in the first half to take control of the contest.
Brazilian forward Raphael Utzig opened the scoring in the 18th minute, rising highest to head home from a corner after the ball took a slight deflection on its way into the net.
The visitors doubled their advantage 17 minutes later through Lee Williams. After a swift counter-attack, Utzig threaded a pass through to the striker, who broke clear before calmly rounding goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm and slotting the ball home.
Ninh Bình, who had enjoyed an outstanding campaign that saw them earn promotion to the V.League pushed hard to mount a comeback after the break.
Their pressure was rewarded in the 75th minute when Geovane Magno converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside the area reduced the deficit.
The hosts continued to press in the closing stages but Cong An HCMC goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang produced a series of important saves to preserve his side's advantage.
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