Viet Nam News
HA NOI — Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) had victory within their grasp, but a lack of focus in the closing minutes meant they shared points with Quang Ninh Coal in the 23rd round of V.League 1 yesterday.
SLNA tied 2-2 with Quang Ninh in the game held at Cam Pha Stadium in the northern province of Quang Ninh.
With the support of home fans, Quang Ninh played actively and put the pressure on the visiting side’s goal. However, SLNA played more effectively.
In the 34th minute, Jermie Lynch opened the score for SLNA. Just a minute later, Lynch took full advantage of an error by Quang Ninh’s defence to double the score for the visitors.
In the second half, Teofilo Soares Eydison scored two goals for Quang Ninh in the 86th and 88th minutes.
In another match, Khanh Hoa tied 0-0 with hosts SHB Da Nang.
Despite playing away, Khanh Hoa controlled the game from the opening whistle.
In the 10th minute, midfielder Nguyen Hoang Quoc Chi had the chance to score the opener for Khanh Hoa but keeper Nguyen Thanh Binh easily managed a save.
Several minutes later, striker Youssouf Toure overcame the hosts’ defence to face goalkeeper Binh but the ball hit the cross bar.
The hosts then bounced back. They had the first dangerous opening on Khanh Hoa’s goal in the 18th minute. Striker Ha Duc Chinh shot from the outside of the penalty area but former national goalie Nguyen Tuan Manh parried it.
The two sides then went on the attack but no goals were scored in the first half.
After the break, coach Vo Dinh Tan of Khanh Hoa changed his tactics and squad in chase of goals. However, they were still short of luck and failed to find the net.
HAGL to face Ha Noi
The national premier league’s 23rd round will continue today. All eyes will be on the match between Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) and champions Ha Noi FC at Pleiku Stadium in Gia Lai Province.
The team from the capital have already won the league with five games still to play. However, the match is expected to be an interesting battle with members of the Viet Nam U23 team who shone at the AFC U23 Championship held in China in January and the recent Asian Games in Indonesia facing off.
Ha Noi midfielders Nguyen Quang Hai and Do Duy Manh will face national teammates Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Van Toan, Tran Minh Vuong and Luong Xuan Truong.
It will be difficult for HAGL to make the top four with just three rounds to play, and they’ll be without defender Vu Van Thanh due to an injury that is expected to keep him out for at least two weeks.
HAGL’s captain Luong Xuan Truong will also be missig following minor nose surgery.
However, HAGL will welcome the return of striker Nguyen Van Toan and midfielder Josip Zeba after suspension.
Croatian Zeba is expected to slot into the defence for HAGL, while Toan will offer more options up front.
Phuong is likely to be a bright spot for HAGL today after scoring two goals in the match with HCM City last Friday to raise his tally in the league to 10.
“We are determined to take three three points from the game. We will make every effort to play an attractive and successful match,” said coach Duong Minh Ninh of HAGL.
Elsewhere, Thanh Hoa will take on Quang Nam, Binh Duong meet Can Tho and Hai Phong face Nam Dinh. — VNS