Hosts exit Thanh Nien newspaper-sponsored under-21 finals

Hosts Da Nang exited Thanh Nien newspaper-sponsored under-21 football finals as they drew 1-1 with Hoang Anh Gia Lai in the final match of the group stage on October 3. Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Midako Nam Dinh, Pomina Steel Tien Giang and Binh Dinh qualified for the semi-finals.

The Sports Daily reported due to the suspension of two key players Thanh An and Thanh Hung, coach Phan Cong Thin had to line up Van Quan in the front line with Thanh Phuc. Huu Hung played as a holding midfielder. Dominating the game after kick off and creating many opportunities, but the hosts had to wait until the 27th minute to go ahead.

Huu Hung fired home a 25 metre freekick, beating goalkeeper Cong Vuong. In the final minutes of the first half, Van Quan wasted a good opportunity. After ghosting past Hoang Anh Gia Lai”s goalkeeper, he let a defender enough time to clear the ball.

After the break, Da Nang continued to dominate the game but failed to extend their lead. Hoang Anh Gia Lai cancelled out the home side”s effort with an equaliser by Gia Hoang just seconds before time.

Held to a draw, Da Nang had only three points after three games and exited the tournament. Midako Nam Dinh, who beat Ca Mau 1-0 with a winner by Thanh Nguyen, topped Group A and runners-up Hoang Anh Gia Lai, reached the semi-finals.

In Group B, Pomina Steel Tien Giang and Binh Dinh were semi-finallists. Pomina Steel Tien Giang trounced Thanh Long 4-0 with goals by Phuc Hiep, Tan Linh, Thanh Hai and Huu Viet.

Meanwhile, Binh Dinh beat Hue 2-0 with goals by Minh Sen and Ngoc Tri.

Midako Nam Dinh play Tien Giang in the first semi-final on October 5 while Binh Dinh play Hoang Anh Gia Lai on October 6.

Nhan dan