Công an TPHCM came from two sets down to beat Thể Công Tân Cảng 3-2 on November 7 and reach their first men's national volleyball championship final. At Phú Thọ Arena, the hosts lost the opening two sets before winning the next three: 22-25, 22-25, 25-14, 25-19 and 15-10.
Coach Nguyễn Văn Hạnh's side will face defending champions Biên Phòng MB for the title. Thanh Niên reported that the final was scheduled to begin at 19:30 Vietnam time on November 8.
A response after two lost sets
Thể Công Tân Cảng started strongly, taking both opening sets 25-22. Sài Gòn Giải Phóng highlighted the contribution of import Rivan alongside Lê Trung Thành, Thạch Quang Phú, Phạm Mạnh Tài and Phạm Thanh Tùng.
Trailing 2-0, Công an TPHCM changed personnel and brought veteran setter Giang Văn Đức onto the court. Phạm Quốc Dư, Dương Văn Tiên, Nguyễn Thanh Hải and import Farhan Halim helped the hosts win the third set 25-14.
Thanh Niên reported that Thể Công rested Rivan in the third set and used Anthony Cherfan. Công an TPHCM then won the fourth 25-19; the newspaper noted effective blocking and an early 7-3 lead.
A deciding set and a first final
The teams remained close in the fifth. Thanh Niên reported that Công an TPHCM moved ahead 9-6 before closing the set 15-10 and completing the 3-2 comeback. The victory sent them into the national final for the first time.
Earlier, Biên Phòng MB beat Ninh Bình 3-0 to reach a fourth consecutive final. They will face Công an TPHCM, while Thể Công Tân Cảng meet Ninh Bình for third place.
Also on November 7, the separate Ho Chi Minh City men's team beat Sanest Khánh Hòa 3-1 to stay up and are due to face Đà Nẵng for fifth. Hà Nội will meet Khánh Hòa for the remaining survival place, Sài Gòn Giải Phóng reported.