Ha Noi ACB rally for Vinakansai Cup 2008

Bottom-of-the-table Ha Noi ACB managed to beat V-League Petro Vietnam Gas 2008 champions Becamex Binh Duong 1-0 in the National Cup Vinakansai final at Hang Day Stadium last Saturday thanks to a goal by striker Truong Huynh Diep.

However, it was a consolation victory for the Ha Noi team, who were relegated to the First Division two weeks ago along with Hoa Phat Ha Noi. 

Hosts Ha Noi ACB played an assured game against the southern visitors that belied a dismal season.

Meanwhile, Binh Duong, riding high from their V-League victory with one game in hand, were thwarted in their ambition to win the two top national titles just three minutes from time.

In a sudden breakout that left Binh Duong stranded, playmaker Le Thanh Luong tapped the ball to Diep, who dribbled the ball past Binh Duong’s defence before netting the ball at close range – despite a desperate effort by former national goalkeeper Nguyen The Anh to keep the ball out. 

Binh Duong threw everything into the dying minutes of the game but Fabio De Souza’s header hit the crossbar.

The visitors’ only other real chance of the game came at the end of the first half when South African striker Philani’s shot also hit the bar.

Ha Noi ACB now qualify for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup next year, while Binh Duong will compete in the AFC Champions League after winning the V-League title.

The Hanoian team take the National Cup crown from Nam Dinh, whose 1-0 victory against Binh Dinh last year ended a 23-year cup drought.