[AFC] Saigon go nine unbeaten
Kuala Lumpur: A third consecutive win saw Saigon maintain their position as early front-runners in Vietnam while Ho Chi Minh City and Viettel emerged as challengers after previously dropping points.
Goals from Ahn Byeong-geon, Huynh Tan Tai and Pedro Paulo kept Saigon at the top of the Vietnamese standings after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Than Hoa on Sunday.
Ho Chi Minh City recovered from last week’s defeat to Becamex Binh Duong to overcome Than Quang Ninh by the same scoreline to move into second, with Binh Duong dropping points following a 1-1 draw with Hoang Anh Gia Lai.
That result sees the Thu Dau Mot City side drop into fourth, leapfrogged by Viettel who enjoyed a 4-0 defeat of Hai Phong to move into third.
Meanwhile, defending champions Hanoi FC’s struggles continue as they drew 1-1 away at Da Nang. Now down in ninth place, the capital city side have won just once in their last five matches and sit seven points behind Saigon.
In the weekend’s other ties, Nam Dinh edged Quang Nam 1-0 and Song Lam Nghe An drew 1-1 with Hong Ling Ha Tinh.
Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng extended their lead at the top of the Cambodian top flight, preparations for the resumption of the A-League stepped up while it was a disappointing weekend for Thailand’s Japan-based stars.
