Ha Tay close in after surprise Ha Noi loss

Taking full advantage of Ha Noi”s surprise 1-2 defeat by Ha Nam on Sunday, Ha Tay now lie in second place after beating HCM City 1-0 in the National Women”s Football Championship on Monday.

Despite a lacklustre performance in the early rounds, the defending champions took the game to HCM City from the outset. But despite blistering attacks down the left wing by half-back Minh Nguyet, Ha Tay failed to find the back of the net.

The stalemate was broken in the 54th minute when striker Nguyen Thi Thanh headed home the winner for Ha Tay, who managed to fend off a spirited fight-back by HCM City in the closing stages of the match.

In the tenth and final round, Viet Nam Coal will meet Ha Noi, while Ha Tay will play Ha Nam, who are now placed ninth.

If Viet Nam Coal draw against Ha Noi and Ha Tay beat Ha Nam, the defending champions will hold on to the title.

After nine two-leg rounds, Viet Nam Coal lead with 18 points, followed by Ha Tay (17 points), Ha Noi (17 points), HCM (14 points), Ha Nam (9 points) and Thai Nguyen in last place with no points.

Six teams have entered this year”s round-robin tournament, which ends on Friday.

VNS