HA NOI — Ha Noi T&T secured top spot in the V-League after defeating Navibank Sai Gon 3-1 in the 13th round of national championships at Hang Day Stadium yesterday.

Both sides started the game with attacking intent, and it was the visitors who took the lead in the 30th minute, thanks to a shot from striker Edison Fonseca.

In search of an equaliser, the hosts were denied by the woodwork after a shot from Gonzalo

D Marronkle in the 37th minute.

In the second half, Ha Noi T&T took control of the match, and their efforts were rewarded with a goal from Samson Kayode in the 55th minute.

The equaliser galvanised T&T and they took the lead in 73rd minute with a goal from Marronkle. Five minutes later, Koyode added to his tally for the night and ended Sai Gon's chances of salvaging anything from the game.

With this result, the Hanoian club have consolidated their position at the top of the table with 27 points and extends their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Meanwhile, Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA), who are unbeaten in 12 matches, drew 2-2 to Sai Gon Xuan Thanh (SGXT) at Thong Nhat stadium yesterday.

In the 12th minute, striker Bebbe Gustave Anicet gave SLNA the lead, and SGXT were unable to get on level terms until the 30th minute, Hoang Trong Phu heading home from a corner. SLNA went on take the lead in the 36th minute and appeared to be controlling the game until Dickson Nwakaeme popped up in injury time to secure the draw.

SGXT remain in third position on 23 points, with SLNA close on their tail on 21 points. — VNS