Seventh round of V-League: Hoa Phat Hanoi enjoy first win

Khoa Thanh of Hoa Phat Hanoi scored an early goal in the second half of the match against Binh Duong, helping the team to clinch their first victory of the season. 

Khoa Thanh (29) scored the winning goal for Hoa Phat Hanoi

The game, one of the two early matches of the round held on February 27, was of great significance for Hoa Phat Hanoi as they beat defending champions Binh Duong and climbed to the middle of the V-League table.

The first half saw the seesaw game as both team had no scoring opportunities. Binh Duong played cautiously, giving the hosts Hoa Phat Hanoi several chances attack their goal. However, goalkeeper Minh Quang prevented all the host’s attempts.

The two teams ended the first half scoreless. Yet, in the first minute of the second half, home fans were able to celebrate their team’s lead right when Khoa Thanh scored with a skillful shot, giving Minh Quang no chance.

The goal encouraged the hosts to step up the pace. Binh Duong also woke up to press the hosts, however goalkeeper Manh Dung denied all their attempts. In the 80th minute, Binh Duong put the ball into the Hoa Phat Hanoi’s net but it was disallowed for offside.

In other match, the hosts Thanh Hoa failed to take all three points in a match against Nam Dinh despite the support of some 10,000 fans. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, thus keeping Thanh Hoa in fifth place with 10 points and with Nam Dinh missing the chance to improve their position.

These two games were held earlier than the schedule to give Binh Duong and Nam Dinh more time to prepare for the first matches of the AFC Champions League.