Rising high: Hoang Thanh Tung of Hoang Anh Gia Lai (centre) heads the equaliser against Can Tho match in the V.League 1 yesterday. — VNS Photo Tuan Tu

HA NOI (VNS) — Hoang Anh Gia Lai remain stuck to the foot of 1 after their 1-1 draw with Can Tho at Pleiku City stadium.

The hosts showed their determination to escape from the relegation zone against a Can Tho team who are also struggling.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai pressured from the kick off, urged on by home fans, but were unable to break through Can Tho's well-organised defence.

Following a goalless first half, Can Tho adopted a counter-attacking formation, and it paid off just three minutes after the interval.

Nguyen Rogers was left an easy tap in after goalkeeper Nguyen Minh Nhut's attempt to block a shot from Oseni Ganiyu Bolaji fell kindly for him.

The setback seemed to spur on the hosts, and they responded with a goal of their own just five minutes later.

Hoang Thanh Tung's powerful header to the right corner gave keeper Tran Buu Ngoc no chance.

However, Gia Lai were reduced to 10 men after striker Sanogo Moussa was sent off in the 70th minute for hitting an opposition player in front of referee Hoang Anh Tuan.

Can Tho flooded forward, but were denied by goalie Nhut and the post.

Ten-man Hoang Anh Gia Lai held on for the draw and collected a valuable point.

They now have 14 points, level with fellow strugglers Dong Nai who lost 1-2 to Hai Phong yesterday.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai will play Dong Thap on August 15.

The top three remain unchanged after all winning yesterday.

Defending champions Becamex Binh Duong beat Dong Tam Long An 3-1, and lead the championship with 41 points.

FLC Thanh Hoa enjoyed a bonus of VND800 million (US$36,700) after defeating Quang Ninh Coal 3-1 to move one point behind Becamex Binh Duong.

Hai Phong 36 points in third place.

In the late match yesterday, Ha Noi T&T beat Song Lam Nghe An 1-0 in V.League 1 for the first time.

Hoang Vu Samson scored the only goal of the match at the 20 minute mark, after returning from Nigeria for treatment to a lung disease.

In the earlier games, former champions SHB Da Nang unexpectedly lost 1-2 to Quang Nam away.

In Nha Trang, Sanna Khanh Hoa beat Dong Thap 2-1, moving the hosts up to position in the table in their debut V.League season. — VNS