Nhan Dan Online – Two goals by Quang Vinh and Van Nam helped The Cong Viettel beat Tien Giang 2-0 at home on April 8 to join the top five of Division 1.

Elsewhere, Van Hoa Haiphong continued their impressive form with their newly appointed manager Carlos Alberto, winning 1-0 over their hosts Can Tho.

The Cong Viettel (red) joined the top five after a 2-0 victory over Tien Giang (Photo: Vnexpress).

An Giang continued to top the table despite being held to a 0-0 draw by dark horses Quang Ninh Coal at home.  

Despite the absence of four key players, including Thach Bao Khanh, The Cong Viettel dominated the game after kick off. However, they had to rely on some excellent moments from young players to gain a crucial victory.

The absence of Bao Khanh weakened the hosts’ attacks down the left wing. Bao Khanh’s replacement Van Thong failed to fill the gap left by the once best Vietnamese left winger. Trung Kien, who was given a chance to play in the starting line-up due to the suspension of Tat Tai, failed to impress the coaching board. As a result, forwards Phuong Nam and Quang Vinh had to search the ball in their own half.

The hosts broke the deadlock after 32 minutes with Quang Vinh producing an excellent run, firing home Van Thong’s pass in a counter attack. Three minutes before half-time, Quang Vinh hit the post, wasting a good chance to extend the lead.

Tien Giang, who were searching for a third consecutive victory with their new manager, had a good opportunity after 67 minutes but fullback Thanh Hai prevented Thai player Vimon from equalising.

The Cong Viettel sealed a 2-0 victory with substitute Van Nam, who came on for Trung Kien, powered a 25 metre strike, which gave Tien Giang’s goalkeeper no chances.

The victory helped The Cong Viettel move up to the fifth place in the table. They have so far earned 11 points like Quang Ninh Coal, who held leaders An Giang to a 0-0 draw, but were led on head-to-head results as The Cong Viettel lost 1-0 to Quang Ninh Coal in the second week.

An Giang failed to go clear after the draw. In the match, Huynh Nhat Truong missed three good opportunities in the first half for the hosts while Hoang Van Thanh from Quang Ninh Coal hit the crossbar in the second half.

In Can Tho, Van Hoa Haiphong continued their impressive run under new manager Carlos Alberto as they beat Can Tho with a winner by Trong Nghia after 33 minutes. Trong Nghia curled the ball into the far corner, following Dang Khoa’s back pass.

Can Tho had an opportunity to equalised when they were awarded a spot kick but Irakli failed to find the net. 

Van Hoa Haiphong have yet to be beaten in the division.

Thanh Nghia Quang Ngai suffered their first defeat when they lost 1-0 to Vinakansai Ninh Binh, whose manager Van Sy Hung recently stepped down with Phan Thanh Tuan taking over. Carlos Rodrigues, who scored a brace a week ago, to help Vinakansai Ninh Binh earn their first victory, struck home the winner.

Nam Khanh

Division 1, April 8