Dong Thap through to National Cup quarters

Former First Division side Dong Thap gave their new coach Charnwit Polcheewin a flying start to the season last Saturday outplaying last year’s V-League runners-up Binh Duong 2-1 at home in Cao Lanh to ease through to the National Cup quarter-finals.

National striker Phan Thanh Binh and new signing Bosango Mputu both scored in the late half to fire the Mekong River Delta Province of Dong Thap’s side to the quarters where they will face V-League rivals Binh Dinh.

However, Dong Thap, who were promoted to top-flight V-League this season, failed to take command of the game. Guests Binh Duong, coached by Le Thuy Hai, overwhelmed the home team in the first half with short-pace attacks from the wings. National striker’s Vu Phong and Quang Thanh kept keeper Van Tuong busy but failed to find the back of the net.

The hosts, led by former Thailand coach Charnwit who took over earlier last week, gained the initiative after the break and Binh put them ahead just 10 minutes into the second half after scoring from Quy Suu’s long-range free kick.

Binh Duong tried hard to get an equaliser but it was Dong Thap who scored in the 77th minute after Mputu made a solo dash through Binh Duong’s defence to put one easily past goalie The Anh.

The visitors pulled one back six minutes from time when Diego scored after teammate Brazilian striker Kesley Alves’ shot was pushed back in field by the keeper.

V-League defending champions Dong Tam Long An also booked a place in the quarters after crushing Southern Steel-Sai Gon Port, who finished 10th in the V-League last season, 2-0 on Saturday.

With the remaining five First Division sides crashing out of the Viet Nam Cup last Saturday, the quarter-finals on June 2 will be a wholly V-League affair.

Three of the First Division teams lost on penalties last Saturday. Dong Nai managed to twice take the lead against Binh Dinh before ending up with a 2-2 draw.” They eventually lost 3-2 on penalties.

Hai Phong held Hue to a goalless draw and were edged out 6-5 on penalties – as were Quang Ngai who lost to Hoa Phat Ha Noi.

The remain two First Division teams, Quang Nam and Can Tho, lost 4-1 and 1-0 to Nam Dinh and Khanh Hoa respectively.

VNS