V-League round 3: Defending champions continue to slump

Defending champions Dong Tam Long An continued their disappointing run as they lost their second game in the first three matches. In the mean time, Da Nang were back on track and occupy top spot.

Defending champions Dong Tam Long An seem to be in a small crisis as they have not won any match so far after the national championship/V-Leauge”s three rounds. In round three, Dong Tam Long An lost 1-0 to their hosts Khatoco Khanh Hoa. The defending champions were missing Nguyen Minh Phuong and Phan Van Tai Em due to injuries. Khatoco Khanh Hoa did not have the service of Tan Tai, also because of an injury. The defending champions were outplayed by their hosts. In the third minute, Jonathan, unmarked, failed to find the net. In the 38th minute, the champions” goalkeeper Santos denied Anh Cuong”s free kick and the deflected ball fell into the path of Van Phong, who did not waste the opportunity to fire home the opener. In the second half, the hosts continued to create scoring opportunities but failed extend their lead.

 With the victory, Khatoco Khanh Hoa have six points and are second in the table.

Da Nang seemed to have left their troubles and the sadness of a home 2-1 defeat to Mikado Nam Dinh behind them, when they trounced their hosts Southern Steel Saigon Port 4-1. The hosts took a 1-0 lead two minutes after kick off when De Jesus took the ball past goalkeeper Vo Van Hanh. The hosts continued to trouble the visitors” defence. After the break, Da Almeida levelled the score in the 50th minute. Substitute striker Le Huynh Duc found the net from a close range after minutes he was brought on. Da Nang got two more goals by Da Almeida and Giang Thanh Thong in the 86th and 90th minutes, respectively.

PISICO Binh Dinh dropped from the second spot to third after being held to a 0-0 draw with their hosts LG.HN.ACB. The match took place in a lacklustre manner. The only opportunity belonged to PISICO Binh Dinh but Thai striker Sorayoot”s shot was over the bar.

PJICO Song Lam Nghe An gained a crucial 1-0 victory over Hoang Anh Gia Lai with the winner by striker Le Cong Vinh. The two sides created some opportunities in the first half but Kesley Alves and Cong Vinh failed to net. In the 73rd minute, Cong Vinh headed home the winner, finishing Cong Manh”s free kick. After the victory, PJICO Song Lam Nghe An went to fourth place in the table with five points. Other results are as follows: Mikado Nam Dinh drew 1-1 with Mitsustar Haier Haiphong and Pomina Steel Tien Giang beat Hoa Phat Hanoi 2-1. 

NhanDan