On September 19, Khatoco Khanh Hoa will host Van Hien University at 19-8 Nha Trang Stadium in the qualifying round of the 2026 - 2027 National Cup. The match is not only a test of Khatoco Khanh Hoa's determination to advance, but also an opportunity for the coastal city's team to bring joy to their home fans.
Looking back at Khatoco Khanh Hoa's National Cup journey over the past three seasons, there is a paradox: the coastal city's team has always demonstrated fighting spirit, determination, and resilience, yet has never managed a deep run in the tournament. In the 2023 - 2024 season, Khatoco Khanh Hoa drew 2-2 at home against Hong Linh Ha Tinh before being knocked out in a penalty shootout; in the 2024 - 2025 season, also at 19-8 Nha Trang Stadium, they suffered a 2-3 defeat to PVF-CAND; in the 2025 - 2026 season, Khatoco Khanh Hoa received a bye to the round of 16, but drew 0-0 against Bac Ninh and subsequently lost on penalties.
 |
| Khatoco Khanh Hoa players (right) during their opening match against Xuan Thien Phu Tho in the National First Division. (Source: VPF) |
In the upcoming clash against Van Hien University, Khatoco Khanh Hoa enjoy a major advantage with the support of their home crowd. However, that moral boost can hardly compensate for the challenges Khatoco Khanh Hoa are facing. Above all, the National Cup is always a tournament requiring substantial investment and squad depth.
As for Van Hien University, their team represents a rare, inspiring story in Vietnamese football. They are the only student team competing in the professional arena, achieving remarkable progress. In the 2026 - 2027 season, Van Hien University are demonstrating growing maturity in Vietnamese professional football. In their opening National First Division match last week, Van Hien University impressed by holding Becamex Binh Duong to a 0-0 draw. That result accurately reflects the strength of an increasingly progressing squad with disciplined organization. This season, Van Hien University have also displayed ambitions to challenge for the top spots in the National First Division and make a deep run in the National Cup thanks to quality squad additions.
Khatoco Khanh Hoa and Van Hien University faced each other twice during the 2025 - 2026 National First Division season, with each side claiming one victory. Therefore, the upcoming encounter between Khatoco Khanh Hoa and Van Hien University is widely regarded as an evenly matched contest. For Khatoco Khanh Hoa, this is an opportunity for head coach Vo Dinh Tan and his players to take another step forward in the National Cup and bring joy to their home supporters. Meanwhile, Van Hien University also want to show that they are by no means an opponent to be taken lightly.
P.H
