Cebu FC put on a spirited display but fell 1-0 to Cong An Hanoi FC, last season’s Shopee Cup runners-up, in their second group stage match on Wednesday night at the Hang Day Stadium.
The Gentle Giants stood firm for most of the match, holding off sustained pressure from the home side with disciplined defending. Goalkeeper Rami Jeridi was in fine form, making several
crucial saves that kept Cebu in the game and frustrated the Vietnamese attack. A nervy moment came in the first half when a potential handball was called on midfielder Anderson Pinto, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned and no penalty was awarded.
Cebu nearly stunned the crowd late in the game when Robert “Papu” Corsame Jr. broke free for a chance, but he was unable to convert. Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Cong An Hanoi snatched victory in stoppage time, with Cao Pendant Quand Vinh slotting home the decisive goal in the 90th minute.
Despite the result, Head Coach Tomasito Glenn Ramos praised his players for their resilience and growth against elite competition.
“I’m very proud of the performance of my team,” Ramos said in the post-match press conference. “It’s a different level when we play against teams like Tampines Rovers and now Cong An
Hanoi, but the team is improving, especially in defending. It was an unlucky goal in the last minute, but we respect Cong An as a strong team.”
He added, “Our preparation has only been two months and this is a young and new team. Only 30 percent of the players are still with us from last season. With that in mind, I am very proud of how we competed.”
The Gentle Giants will now regroup as they continue their Shopee Cup 2025-26 journey, looking to build on their defensive performance and convert chances in their upcoming fixtures.