Super-sub Hoang Anh scores a brace, CAND come from behind to beat Long An in V.League 2 opener

The home stands of CAND were still filled with jubilant atmosphere as the final whistle blew. But few knew that just 45 minutes earlier, that atmosphere had faltered when the home side trailed Long An, a battle-hardened opponent. The change came from a name not in the starting plan: Hoang Anh. His brace not only secured three points but also raised a big question about how the public security team operates this season. The V.League 2 opener was a tight affair. Long An, with their experience, sat deep and waited for counter-attacks. They were unafraid to cede possession to CAND, but their defensive solidity left the hosts frustrated. In the 30th minute, a quick counter-attack saw Long An take a surprise lead. The goal disrupted CAND's rhythm but also served as a test of character for a heavily invested team. CAND's coach made a bold decision: bringing on Hoang Anh at the start of the second half. This substitution completely changed the game. Hoang Anh, with his intelligent positioning and sharp finishing, scored two goals within 20 minutes, completing a remarkable comeback. His brace was not just a moment of individual brilliance but also demonstrated the squad depth the coaching staff has built. However, this victory also exposed a potential weakness: if the starting XI cannot break down packed defenses, CAND may become overly reliant on 'super-subs' like Hoang Anh. This approach is hard to sustain over a long season, especially when opponents have studied them. Is this thrilling win a positive signal for promotion ambitions, or a wake-up call about the starting lineup's lack of sharpness? More matches are needed for an answer. Meanwhile, in another fixture, Binh Minh Sai Gon also secured a 2-0 away win over Hue. This shows the promotion race this season will be fiercely contested, with CAND not being the only heavyweight contender. For an invested team like CAND, the win over Long An is a morale boost, but the road ahead remains long.