A resounding 4-0 victory over the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City has officially cemented Thuy Loi University’s (TLU) status as the most comprehensive champions in the history of the Vietnam Young Student Football Tournament (TNSV THACO Cup).
Fulfilling the Ambition: Bringing the Cup Home
“Give it your all to return to Hanoi with the championship trophy.” This was both a mission and a heartfelt desire entrusted to the players by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet, Rector of Thuy Loi University, before the team departed for Nha Trang to compete in the Finals of the 4th TNSV THACO Cup 2026.
The yearning of Prof. Nguyen Trung Viet and Head Coach Vu Van Trung was shared by every member of the squad. The “Red Shirts” had twice come agonizingly close to glory, only to see it slip away. “In football, playing well is a necessary condition, but winning a championship sometimes requires a touch of destiny,” Coach Vu Van Trung once reflected after their second runner-up finish.
However, the TLU strategist emphasized: “We create our own destiny. We must keep striving and never back down. Thuy Loi University will fight to claim the position we rightfully deserve.”
That mantra became their North Star. From key pillars like Nguyen Hoang Danh, Tran Duc Hoan, and Tran Bao Trung to rising stars like Duong Phu Manh and Nguyen Van Cuong, every player pushed their limits on the training ground. Sweat shed in practice has now turned into tears of joy on the podium. The TLU football field witnessed their grueling journey—from sessions under the scorching heat and biting cold to the mental resilience required to overcome heartbreaks that could have broken any other team.
Thuy Loi University proved their mettle by becoming the most dominant champions in the tournament’s history. After a solid group stage—defeating Dong Thap University (3-0) and securing scoreless draws against HCMC University of Education and Dong Nai Technology University—the TLU machine shifted into high gear during the knockout rounds.
TLU delivered a series of devastating performances, crushing the defending champions, Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism (4-0), followed by HCMC University of Technology (3-0), and finally the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (4-0) in the final. Throughout the tournament, Duc Hoan and his teammates set new benchmarks: scoring 14 goals (the most in history), conceding zero goals (the fewest in history), and securing the most wins in a single final round (4 matches). TLU didn’t just win; they won with style, playing an attractive and captivating brand of attacking football.
Aiming for International Glory
While TLU has fulfilled the promise of bringing the trophy home, the journey is far from over.
Next week, as the reigning 2026 TNSV THACO Cup champions, Thuy Loi University will advance to the 2026 International Young Student Football Tournament. Coach Vu Van Trung and his team will be playing not only for the university’s prestige but also for the national colors.
For Coach Trung, this represents both a pressure and a profound honor—an opportunity for TLU to assert the prowess of Vietnam’s elite school football. With a squad that has reached its “prime” after years of experience and the momentum from a flawless campaign, TLU enters the international arena as a heavyweight contender.
“We will play attacking football and are determined to defeat any opponent,” shared goalkeeper Duong Phu Manh.
As they look toward April, Thuy Loi University’s luggage may well return with more than just one trophy.
Source: Thuyloi University