Defending champions in driving seat at under-21 finals

Defending champions Binh Dinh are in a driving seat of retaining their championship of the national under-21 football finals, sponsored by Thanh Nien newspaper.

The Sports Daily reported Binh Dinh beat Thanh Long 3-0 in their opening game of Group B. In-form Phan Quy Hoang Lam and Le Thanh Tai helped Binh Dinh dominate the game but they went ahead just one minute from half-time. Quoc Nghia fired home in a counterattack.

In the second half, the defending champions continued to outplayed their opponents. Minh Sen and Do Thanh Sang scored two more goals in the 65th and 94th minutes, respectively, to seal a 3-0 victory for the champions.

Thanh Long had an opportunity to score a consolation goal but Vu Hiep missed his penalty kick.

In another match Pomina Steel Tien Giang and Huda Hue drew 1-1. Huda Hue controlled the game but Pomina Steel Tien Giang were the first side to score. In the 24th minute, Phuc Hiep and Thanh Hai combined in a set piece situation to set up Anh Duy to fire home the opener.

Five minutes later, Huda Hue levelled the score after two attempts by Huynh Phuc Hiep.

In the second half, the two sides had opportunities but failed to score.

The finals continued on September 30 with four games: Ca Mau vs. Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Da Nang vs. Midako Nam Dinh in Group A, and Thanh Long vs. Huda Hue and Pomina Tien Giang vs. Binh Dinh

Nhan dan