Defending champions: TSN players celebrate beating Sanna Khanh Hoa in a penalty shootout. The match ended 4-4 in regular time. — VNS Photo Tien Thanh

HA NOI (VNS) — Thai Son Nam (TSN) yesterday needed a penalty shootout to overcome tough rivals Sanna Khanh Hoa following a 4-4 draw in regular time, and are now just one game away from defending their title at the National Futsal Championship.

Ly Khanh Hung was the only TSN player to miss his penalty, while Khanh Hoa's captain Mai Thanh Dat rattled the crossbar and Nguyen Tan Phupenalty was turned away by goalkeeper Ngo Dinh Thuan.

The match was a repeat of the last year's final which TSN won 2-0 to lift the trophy, but this was a much tougher affair for a new-look TSN.

Hung, Phung Trong Luan and Tran Van Vu scored for TSN in the first half while Nguyen Dinh Thanh, Pham Khac Chi and Nguyen Trung Nam put Khanh Hoa level before half-time.

The match continued at a breathtaking pace in the second half with both teams going forward in search of the winning goal

TSN took the advantage through a seemingly harmless long range shot that goalkeeper Nguyen Xuan Duc somehow managed to let slip through his fingers and into the goal.

Khanh Hoa intensified their attacks after conceding the goal, but TSN remained dangerous on the counter-attack and nearly extended their lead.

Khanh Hoa's efforts paid off on the 31st minute when Nguyen Nho raced down the left and squared the ball in front of the goal. Thuan managed to parry the ball out but lurking Phu was waiting to pounce.

TSN will face Sannatech Khanh Hoa in the final tomorrow. — VNS