Cummings shines in the 90+5th minute as Cong An TP.HCM take all three points against Ninh Binh in V.League Round 5

Round 5 of the V.League 2026-2027 produced a match where the line between success and failure was decided by the final moments. At home, Ninh Binh entered their clash with Cong An TP.HCM with a clear objective: to secure all three points and climb to the top of the table. But when the referee blew the final whistle, it was the away side who left with smiles, courtesy of a 90+5th-minute strike from Australian striker Jason Cummings. The match followed the familiar script of a confrontation between an attacking home team and a patient away side waiting for its moment. Ninh Binh controlled possession better, pushed their defensive line higher, and applied considerable pressure toward the opposition goal. However, Cong An TP.HCM's defense remained disciplined, maintaining proper distances and rarely exposing genuinely dangerous gaps for the majority of the contest. The first half was cautious. Both sides probed, and although Ninh Binh gradually seized the initiative, their attacking moves lacked sharpness in the final third. Cong An TP.HCM accepted conceding territory, dropped deep, and waited for quick counterattacking opportunities. It was a deliberate tactical choice well suited to the away side's personnel, featuring players capable of rapid transitions such as Olaha Manh Duc and Cummings. In the second half, Ninh Binh escalated the pressure. The home coach introduced attacking substitutes Ngoc My, Van Thuan, and Tai Loc to create unpredictability. The Hoa Lu-based side pushed their defensive line high, advanced their midfield to the edge of the opposition box, and repeatedly launched wide attacks. Yet goals eluded them. Ninh Binh's shots lacked the necessary precision, or were thwarted by the goalkeeper and defense of Cong An TP.HCM. As time wound down, the match appeared headed for a goalless draw. But in the fifth minute of stoppage time, tragedy struck the home side. From a quick counterattack, Olaha Manh Duc carried the ball through midfield, drawing the attention of Ninh Binh's defense before releasing a precise pass to the right for Cummings. The Australian No. 9 skillfully beat his marker, reached the byline, and fired from a very narrow angle past national-team goalkeeper Dang Van Lam to deliver the decisive goal and three points for Cong An TP.HCM. It was a moment that showcased Cummings's composure and class. With a tight angle and minimal space, he maintained the calmness to make the right decision. This is not the first time the striker has proven his goalscoring ability, and his strike past Van Lam further confirms his standing within Cong An TP.HCM's squad. As for Olaha, the naturalized forward continues to demonstrate his importance in the away side's counterattacking approach. His ball-carrying and passing ability are key to Cong An TP.HCM converting defensive phases into attacking opportunities. The understanding between Olaha and Cummings produced the match-defining goal. The defeat denied Ninh Binh the chance to move top of the table. The home side did not play poorly — at times they controlled the game better than their opponents. But football is like that, and the difference lies in the ability to take chances. Ninh Binh failed to do so; Cong An TP.HCM did so exactly once, and that once was enough to secure all three points. For Cong An TP.HCM, the victory carries significant psychological weight. Taking three points away from home in a match where they had to defend resolutely for over 90 minutes is a testament to their resilience and determination. However, pundits also note that this was a victory with an element of fortune. Cong An TP.HCM must improve their attacking output if they wish to maintain their position in the upper group. After Round 5, the V.League 2026-2027 standings remain highly unpredictable. The gap between the top teams is negligible, and a single unfavorable result can shift the rankings. Ninh Binh need to quickly move past this setback, focus on improving their scoring efficiency, and prepare for upcoming fixtures. With their current resources and squad quality, they remain strong contenders for the title race. As for Cong An TP.HCM, the win over Ninh Binh is an important stepping stone to consolidate their position. The defensive-counterattacking model this club operates demands patience and efficiency in every situation. If Cummings and Olaha maintain their form, Cong An TP.HCM could well become a formidable force this season. The match at Ninh Binh's home ground also raises questions about the home side's game management in the closing minutes. Having committed fully to attack, leaving gaps in midfield and defense was understandable. Yet an ambitious team must know how to preserve points in such sensitive moments. The lessons from this defeat will be valuable for Ninh Binh on their long journey ahead. Round 5 concluded with contrasting emotions. Joy for Cong An TP.HCM and regret at Ninh Binh. Above all, it was a statement that in football, anything can happen until the final whistle sounds. One minute of stoppage time, one moment of brilliance from Cummings, and three points changed hands. That is the cruelty — and the beauty — of the beautiful game. Ninh Binh fans have reason to lament, as their team deserved at least a point. But Cong An TP.HCM fans have reason to be proud, as their team fought to the end and were rewarded. This match will be remembered as a textbook example of resilience and character in Vietnamese football. For Cummings personally, the goal against Van Lam will be a highlight of his career. Facing a goalkeeper of international caliber, in a difficult situation, and scoring the decisive goal in the final seconds — that is what every striker dreams of. And Cummings achieved it through the confidence and skill of a top-class finisher. Meanwhile, Van Lam and his teammates must draw lessons from this defeat. A good goalkeeper cannot single-handedly save his team in every situation, and football is always a team sport. Ninh Binh need unity, improvement in both defense and attack, and above all, the mental strength to stay positive after defeats like this. V.League 2026-2027 still has a long road ahead. Round 5 is just one of many, and every team has the chance to correct course. Ninh Binh need to forget this defeat as quickly as possible, while Cong An TP.HCM must turn the victory into motivation to push further. That is football, and those emotional highs and lows are what make the beautiful game so compelling.