Tenth round of V-League: Haiphong and The Cong top the table
Five early matches of the tenth round of V-League have ended, marking little change in the table. Haiphong and The Cong occupy first and second…
Five early matches of the tenth round of V-League have ended, marking little change in the table. Haiphong and The Cong occupy first and second positions after securing close 2-1 and 1-0 victories.
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| Binh Dinh celebrate their first win of the season |
The hosts Haiphong had a strong start in the support of thousands of fans, launching a series of attacks in front of Hoa Phat Hanoi’s six-year box.
The first half ended with Haiphong two goals to the good Haiphong having scored in the 18th and 43rd minutes.
In the 85th minute, Haiphong gifted a goal to Hoa Phat Hanoi. The opportunity came to the visitors after Haiphong’s defenders failed to stop an attack, letting the ball rebound straight to Fabiano who easily steered it into the hosts’ net.
However, Haiphong won the game, taking all three points and maintaining their top position.
The Cong rose to second place to match Haiphong on 19 points after defeating Thanh Hoa from a controversial penalty goal.
Meanwhile, former V-League champion Hoang Anh Gia Lai revived their title hopes after coming from behind to capture a 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Song Lam Nghe An.
Two brilliant headers from young talent Tang Tuan combined with another goal by Brazilian Agostinho Oliveira proved just enough to lead Hoang Anh Gia Lai to their second successive victory.
Visitors Song Lam Nghe An took the lead with two goals in the 39th and 59th minutes, however, the hosts calmly fought back with three late goals in the 61st, 82nd and 85th minutes.
The impressive recovery secured the third place for Hoang Anh Gia Lai with 17 points, leaving the team just two points behind Haiphong and The Cong. With the defeat, visiting team Song Lam Nghe An lost their chance to bag their fifth successive league win.
Other notable results from this round include the first loss at home for SaigonPort. Key striker Trindade was in top form scoring the opening goal, marking his eleventh goal this season, but it did not help SaigonPort avoid defeat against the visiting Binh Dinh. Poor defensive tactics cost the team four goals, with Ngoc Quang putting away a consolation goal in the 71st minute to close the match 2-4. The win helped Binh Dinh escape from the bottom of the table.
In other match, Khanh Hoa drew 0-0 with Da Nang.
Today, Dong Tam Long An will host Nam Dinh while Binh Duong will play away against ACB Hanoi on March 25.
