Both teams played offensively right from the start; however, it was Hai Phong who performed better thanks to the home-field advantage and efficiency of dual foreign strikers Fagan and Stevens.
The hosts’ constant attacks paid off with an opener after 15 minutes as goalkeeper Tuan Linh carelessly fumbled Stevens’ volley enabling Dinh Bao to net the ball with another shot.
Inspired by the early lead, Hai Phong continued to dominate the game and unsurprisingly enjoyed a second goal, with Van Thang successfully converting Fagan’s right-wing pass.
The match remained under the home side’s control after the break, but Hai Phong had to play with one less player as Quoc Trung was sent off due to receiving a second yellow card three minutes after the hour mark.
Quang Ninh took this advantage to pull a goal back two minutes later, with substitute Hoa Hung producing a right-wing cross to Minh Tuan, who then easily beat Hai Phong’s goalkeeper from close range to make it 1-2 for the guests.
In the remainder of the match, Hai Phong manager Truong Viet Hoang decided to replace attacker Dinh Bao with defender Quang Huy aiming to strengthen the defensive line, which proved effect as the 1-2 score was safeguarded until the final whistle.
The narrow victory kept Hai Phong firmly on top of the standings with 21 points after seven matches, nine points ahead of the second-place group.
Results of other seventh-round clashes:
- QNK Quang Nam 1-1 Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN
- XSKT Can Tho 5-2 FLC Thanh Hoa
- Dong Thap 2-5 Hanoi T&T
- Hoang Anh Gia Lai 0-0 Song Lam Nghe An
- Saigon 3-1 Long An
