Hanoi Police FC beats Lion City Sailors 1-0 in Southeast Asian Cup C1: A fragile win, hidden risks

Hanoi, August 14, 2026 — At a neutral venue in Singapore, Cong An Ha Noi (CAHN) secured a 1-0 victory over Lion City Sailors in the opening group-stage match of the Southeast Asian Cup C1. But if you think this is a smooth start for the V.League champions, let me finish the story. The only goal came from a combination between two foreign players, Perea and Leo Artur, in first-half stoppage time — a quick transition typical of a counter-attacking side. Earlier, CAHN deliberately ceded possession to the home side, allowing Lion City Sailors to control the ball while exploiting the space behind their defense. However, this win is more fragile than it appears. In the 90+5 minute, CAHN's goalkeeper was rounded and Abdul Rasaq Akeem faced an empty net — but somehow missed. Had that gone in, the group dynamics would be completely different. An incredible escape saved CAHN from a disappointing draw. Notably, CAHN entered this match with a depleted squad, missing several key domestic players due to fitness issues. This raises big questions about squad depth and Mano Polking's fitness management amid a congested schedule between the V.League and regional competitions. The reliance on foreign duo Perea and Leo Artur in decisive moments is also a worrying signal for the police club's long-term ambitions. In the context of rapidly developing Southeast Asian football, this victory is symbolic of Vietnamese football's standing at club level. But to maintain momentum, CAHN needs a better fitness management plan and squad depth, rather than relying solely on flashes of brilliance from foreign stars.