The first semi-final match took place at 3:30 p.m. between Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism. These were the two teams that won tickets to the TNSV finals for the first time, in which Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism participated in the tournament for the first time but was highly appreciated.

Coach Ta Hong Ha of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry team commented: "It was not luck that the Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism team reached the semi-finals. What they showed showed that they are a strong team, capable of playing diverse football based on a squad of quality players, notably Ngan Nhu Dung."

Coach Nguyen Cong Thanh of the Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that after the quarter-final match, the team took advantage of the day off to recover. "Fortunately, none of our key players had to miss the semi-finals due to penalties or injuries. I encourage my players, who have reached the semi-finals, to give the audience a great match in the spirit of respecting their opponents and with the goal of winning a ticket to the finals," Thanh shared.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry team is missing two key players due to penalty cards: midfielder Phuc Tai and right-back Van Quoc. "Among the four teams in the semi-finals, we are the only team without a sports background. Therefore, in terms of physical strength and stamina, we are at a disadvantage. However, the players have prepared well for the semi-final match, will play with their best and promote collective strength," Coach Ta Hong Ha confided.

The second semi-final match, taking place at 5:45 p.m., was a nerve-wracking battle between the Danang University of Physical Education and Sports and the Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports . The strength of the team from Hanoi was evident when they remained undefeated in the group stage. In the quarter-finals, Coach Pham Minh's students deployed a tight playing style, fierce competition, good coordination and effective finishing to defeat the Van Hien University team. Currently leading the list of top scorers with 5 goals, Vu Viet Hoang, with his formidable goal-scoring ability, promises to continue to shine.

Meanwhile, after a thrilling victory over the home team Ton Duc Thang University in the quarterfinals (drawing 3-3 in regular time, winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout), coach Tran Trung Kien of the Da Nang University of Physical Education reminded his players to minimize mistakes. "The Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports team is strong in all three lines, the players have good technical and tactical thinking. We will try to promote our abilities and hope to overcome the opponent's playing style to achieve the set goal," said Mr. Kien.