Army beat Ninh Binh, but Hai Phong lead

Ngoc Duy scored the only goal in the first half to help The Cong Viettel, also known as Army team, edge Vinakansai Ninh Binh in the National First Division Football Championship at My Dinh Stadium on Sunday.

However, Van Hoa Hai Phong, who beat Quang Ninh Coal 3-1 on home turf last Saturday, lead the table by goal difference.

Tien Giang, who struggled to regain a spot in the V-League this year, was shut down 0-2 by Dong Nai at their home Tien Giang Stadium.

Playing at home pitch in Nghe An, Military Zone 4 took a 2-1 win over Military Zone 5 to join the top teams after the first round of the championship.

In other games last Saturday, Tay Ninh beat HCM City-based Da My Nghe Sai Gon 2-0, while Can Tho suffered a 0-2 loss to An Giang.

Newly promoted Thanh Nghia Quang Ngai tasted the first win in their debut at the championship after beating neighbouring team Quang Nam 2-1.

The Cong, who were given an order to return to V-League this year, had to go full force in the opener of the season against powerful contenders.

Hungarian coach Viczko Tamats helped his players shut down Vinakansai Cement Ninh Binh – a team known for its hot-heads – which is coached by former national striker Van Sy Hung.

Newly signed Brazilian Carlos Rodrigues of Ninh Binh threatened The Cong goalie Vu Dung with a header in the first minute.

But Army defenders subsequently quelled any efforts Ninh Binh’s offense put forward with close marking.

In a rapid attack on the right, Ngoc Duy, who trained in Bulgaria last year, broke into the penalty area past defender Van Quyet and beat goalie Tran Quoc Cuong with a close range shot.

After the break, coach Van Sy Hung Sent substitute Ronald Martin to play with Rodrigues in the forward in hopes of a tie but Ninh Binh’s inexperience chalked up to an uneventful second half.

After the first round of the championship, seven team share top spots on the table with three points each: Van Hoa Hai Phong, An Giang, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, Quang Ngai, Military Zone 4 and The Cong.

But the table is sure to chance this weekend, when 14 teams play their second round matches.

VNS