LAPL will improve football standards"

Vinh Hung and Duc Hoa officials have acclaimed the launch of the Long An Provincial League (LAPL) as a milestone in the country”s football history.

The league got underway on Friday under the aegis of AFC”s Vision Vietnam project with a match between the two sides at the Vinh Hung Stadium. The two teams drew 1-1.

A total of thirteen clubs, which come from 13 different districts, are participating in the inaugural LAPL. Each district is represented by a club.

Besides Vinh Dung and Duc Hoa, the other participating clubs are Ben Luc, Can Duoc, Can Giuoc, Chau Thanh, Duc Hue, Moc Hoa, Tan Hung, Tan Tru, Thanh Hoa, Thu Thua and Tan An.

Vinh Hung head coach Tran Viet Hao was happy with their performance.

SThis is a successful opening and we are very happy to emerge undefeated in the opening match. Both teams played well and we are delighted to grab the first point in the league.⬝

SThis is a considerably good start for us, and we aim to become the champions for the first time.⬝

Tran thanked the AFC for turning their dream into a reality.

SI must thank the AFC for the league. Without guidance from the AFC and the good work from Long An Football Association (LAFA) and Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), we would never have had a proper league to play for.⬝

SThis is like a dream for us, and we can”t believe that the dream has come true.⬝

Despite the draw, Dua Hoa team manager Nguyen Van Duc chose to look on the brighter side.

SThis was the first match and the result is acceptable. There was a lack of combination in my team and Vinh Dung were obviously much better than us. I have no complaints about the result.⬝

SThe LAPL is a momentous step and the clubs will rapidly improve because of this. The clubs and LAFA have taken a big stride by launching the league and I am hopeful of its success.⬝

The league will run for three months, from 30 March till 24 June 2007.