CAND FC kicks off campaign: The promotion puzzle and the power of the Ministry of Public Security

On the morning of September 5, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Security, Cong An Nhan Dan FC (CAND) held its official send-off ceremony ahead of the 2026-2027 First Division season. What made this event special was the presence of Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang – a clear testament to the ministry's commitment to football. In a solemn yet determined atmosphere, the club's leadership announced the highest target: winning the First Division title and earning promotion to the V-League. CAND is no stranger to Vietnamese football. Founded in the 1950s, the team has been promoted and relegated multiple times, always associated with the image of a "police force team." However, this season brings several unique developments. First, the club has just undergone a major restructuring as PVF-CAND – its affiliated youth team – was transferred to become Hung Yen FC. This means CAND will focus all resources on the first team, while Hung Yen takes on the role of developing young players. This separation is seen as a strategic move to "clear the path" for CAND's promotion goal. Second, the leadership appointed head coach Nguyen Duc Thang – who won the 2026 V-League with Viettel – to lead the team. Thang is known for his disciplined defensive style, high tactical organization, and ability to create stability. He previously worked at Binh Dinh before joining CAND, and is expected to bring a solid framework to the team. With his "defense first" philosophy, Thang built Viettel into the best defensive side in the 2026 V-League, conceding only 16 goals in 20 matches. The same could happen at CAND, where he has experienced players at his disposal. Looking at the squad introduced during the ceremony, it's clear CAND has invested heavily this season. Goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu – a former national team player – is the most notable addition. At 34, Trieu remains one of Vietnam's best goalkeepers, with excellent reflexes and command of the penalty area. His presence in the First Division is a huge advantage, as few lower-league clubs have a goalkeeper of his caliber. In matches where CAND dominates possession but faces counter-attacks, Trieu serves as the final wall protecting the goal. Additionally, striker Le Viktor – a Vietnamese-Czech player – brings a different dimension with his physicality and technique. Having played in Europe, he could become a lethal weapon in counter-attacks if he adapts well. Alongside Minh Vuong, Thanh Nhan, Do Phi Long, Pham Ly Duc, and Pham Minh Phuc, CAND possesses a squad depth rarely seen in the First Division. Minh Vuong, a former HAGL midfielder, is known for his passing and long-range shooting. Thanh Nhan is a promising young striker, while Pham Ly Duc and Pham Minh Phuc represent a hungry next generation. Tactically, based on Thang's philosophy, CAND will play defensive counter-attacking football, prioritizing solidity. At Viettel, he built the league's best defense, and the same could happen at CAND. With experienced players, the team will know how to control the tempo, especially in crucial matches. Thang is also known for his set-piece expertise – a potent weapon against deep-lying opponents. The presence of tall center-backs and Trieu's accurate long distribution will help CAND maximize corners and free-kicks. Financially, CAND is in a strong position. Backed by the Ministry of Public Security, the club doesn't worry about budgets like many other First Division teams. This allows them to recruit quality players and maintain good compensation packages. However, this also creates reverse pressure: failing to achieve promotion would be an unacceptable failure. Minister Luong Tam Quang has directly intervened, meaning every mistake will be scrutinized. Coach Thang faced significant pressure at Viettel, but here the stakes are even higher due to the ministry's reputation. Despite high expectations, CAND faces considerable challenges. First, the pressure from the ministry's own expectations. Minister Luong Tam Quang has directly intervened, and every mistake will be scrutinized. Coach Thang experienced pressure at Viettel, but here it's amplified because it's tied to a ministry's prestige. Second, skepticism from football experts. Many believe CAND is "buying promotion" with state money, creating unfairness for other clubs. This could lead to a "must beat CAND" mentality from opponents, making every match harder. In reality, many First Division clubs operate on budgets of just a few billion VND per season, while CAND can spend tens of billions. This disparity creates an "uneven playing field," and if CAND doesn't handle public relations carefully, they could become the league's "spoiler." Third, fitness and fixture congestion. If CAND advances deep into cup competitions, they'll play more matches, and with an older squad, injury risk is a concern. Thang needs to rotate wisely, especially early in the season when players aren't at peak fitness. Another notable point is the emergence of Hung Yen FC – the newly formed club from PVF-CAND. Both teams are in the First Division, creating a "two clubs with the same origin" situation in the same league. This raises questions about transparency and competitive fairness. Could there be a conflict of interest when two clubs belong to the same "ecosystem" of the Ministry of Public Security? The VFF needs close oversight to ensure healthy competition. However, if managed well, this model could benefit Vietnamese football, with Hung Yen becoming a launchpad for young talents while CAND focuses on results. Speaking of competitors, Long An – CAND's first opponent – is a traditional club undergoing reconstruction. They lack financial resources but always play with determination against bigger teams. Other teams like Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Phu Dong Ninh Binh, and Dong Thap are also considered potential promotion contenders. However, with the current squad, CAND remains the clear favorite for the title. If CAND achieves promotion, Vietnamese football will have two police clubs in the V-League (CAND and CAHN). This raises questions about competitive balance, as both clubs are backed by the same ministry. Will there be favoritism? Or will this drive both to improve? World football has seen similar models, and if managed transparently, the presence of two police clubs could create healthy rivalry and elevate the league's quality. Historically, CAND has experienced ups and downs. In the 1990s, the club was a powerhouse of Vietnamese football with national titles. However, they later declined and spent many seasons in the First Division. This return with strong investment signals ambition beyond mere promotion – it's about building a sustainable club capable of competing at the highest level. With superior resources, a quality squad, and backing from the Ministry of Public Security, CAND is almost certain to finish in the top 2 of the First Division. The remaining question isn't "whether they'll be promoted," but "how they'll be promoted" – as convincing champions or via a playoff spot. The opening match against Long An at home on September 11 will be the first test of this ambition. A convincing victory would create positive momentum for the entire season. Conversely, an early stumble would pile pressure on Thang and his players. Vietnamese football is witnessing the return of a "big player" in the First Division. With methodical investment and high determination, CAND aims not just for promotion but to establish itself as a club with solid foundations. Will they succeed? The answer will come after 90 minutes on the pitch, starting September 11.