Long An Provincial League kicks off

Vinh Hung drew Duc Hoa 1-1 in the first match of the inaugural Long An Provincial League (LAPL) at the Vinh Hung Stadium on Friday.

In front of a 300-strong crowd, Vinh Hung had the upper hand throughout the match. Ho Hoai Phong scored a second minute opener for Vinh Hung and Duc Hoa equalized with a goal from Ng Thanh Tuan in the 39th minute.

In the other first round matches, Thanh Hoa lost 2-3 to Duc Hue, and Moc Hoa lost by a solitary goal to Tan Hung.

Both teams showed their technical discipline and displayed some delightful skills to entertain the small but vocal crowd.

With home ground advantage, Vinh Hung dominated the game, but due to poor finishing by the forwards, they could not add to their tally.

Limited to counter attacks, Duc Hoa didn”t pose any threat to Vinh Hung”s goalmouth and should be grateful for grabbing an undeserved draw.

After the match, Long An Football Association (LAFA) President Le Thanh Tam expressed his confidence that the league would be run on a home-and-away two-round format from 2008 onwards.

The inaugural LAPL is a one-round League, and will run for three months, from 30 March till 24 June 2007.

Le said: SThis is a good start to the league and I truly enjoyed the match.⬝

SAlthough this is the first time we have organised a Provincial League I can proudly say that we did a wonderful job, both in and off the field.⬝

SWe are still a long way from professional football but with the support from AFC, Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and our sponsors, I am optimistic about the future of the league.⬝

Earlier at a colourful opening ceremony, Le declared the league open in the presence of AFC General Secretary Dato” Paul Mony Samuel and top VFF officials.