Although they stopped just short of the national finals, the Điện Biên team captured the hearts of all spectators with their resilient fighting spirit and wholehearted, passionate play.

The tournament gathered the strongest amateur teams from across the country, with the Northern qualifiers described as a real “cauldron of fire,” featuring 16 powerhouse teams. Amidst strong contenders from Hà Nội, Hải Phòng, and Bắc Ninh, as well as teams representing major sectors such as the police and banking, the Điện Biên Trade Union team entered as an intriguing underdog.

Representing the most remote province, Điện Biên’s team carried with them a story of determination and endurance. Departing on the morning of September 30, the 20-member delegation spent over a day traveling nearly 500 kilometers to the capital. Their journey became even more arduous as Hanoi greeted these sons of the Northwest with heavy rain from Typhoon No. 10. Gridlocked traffic during rush hour and harsh weather added almost five more hours to their travel, and the team only arrived at their lodging near 11p.m., exhausted. “Despite all the difficulties, the entire team stayed positive and motivated to compete with excitement and determination,” said Lầu Thị Thanh Hương, Vice Chairwoman of the Điện Biên Labor Federation and head of the football delegation.

The Điện Biên Trade Union team consisted of players who are workers and civil servants from various sectors, education, electricity, healthcare, and public administration. Their ages varied, their training conditions were limited, but they shared one common passion: football. When comparing themselves to teams from the lowlands, some even joked that they were “the weakest team in the tournament.” Coach Nguyễn Công Hoàn admitted frankly: “This is a young and inexperienced team with limited time to train together, but with the support of the Labor Federation leadership and the players’ determination, we regained confidence. Our goal was to play our best, contribute to the tournament, and hopefully make it past the group stage.”

Football, however, is full of surprises. In their very first match in the “group of death” alongside VP Bank, Hưng Yên Trade Union, and Hà Nội Trade Union, Điện Biên created a true sensation by defeating the strong Hưng Yên team with a stunning 4-0 victory. It was an unforgettable debut, a bold statement that these players did not travel 500 kilometers just to participate. Riding that momentum, Điện Biên advanced to the quarterfinals, far exceeding initial expectations. Though they later lost 1-4 to the powerful Bắc Ninh 1 team, their journey continued with a dramatic playoff for the final ticket to the national round.

The playoff match proved to be a nail-biter. Facing Bắc Ninh 2, the Điện Biên players fought with all their strength, and perhaps more. Twice they took the lead through sharp attacks, only to see their opponents equalize. The long journey, age difference, and fatigue gradually took their toll. With the score tied after regulation, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. On the fateful 11-meter line, luck turned away from Điện Biên, they lost narrowly, 6-7, just one step away from the national finals.

Disappointment and regret were visible on every face. Striker Lý Đức Cường, who scored both goals for Điện Biên in that match, couldn’t hide his emotions: “I feel very sorry. Although I scored twice, our age and stamina couldn’t keep up in the end.” Yet behind his words was unmistakable pride. “As a player for the Điện Biên Trade Union team, I’m truly honored to participate in this tournament,” he said. “From the start, we aimed to learn and connect with teams from other provinces and sectors, but we also entered every match with determination, discipline, and unity, following our coach’s strategy.”

From a self-proclaimed “underdog,” the Điện Biên Trade Union team emerged as the “dark horse” of the tournament, topping Group B with three victories to reach the quarterfinals. Though they fell short of the national finals, their spirit earned deep respect and admiration from everyone who witnessed their journey. The players have now returned home, back to their daily jobs and lives, but their story, of courageous men traveling 500 kilometers from the mountains to chase their football dream, will be remembered as one of the most inspiring highlights of the 2025 Vietnam Workers and Civil Servants Football Tournament.