Things were not so easy for defending champions, Hanoi T&T as they faced strong resistance from the guest team who were thirsty for a win following two consecutive losses, to Thanh Hoa and Vicem Hai Phong, in previous rounds.
It was not until the 40th minute that the deadlock was broken, as the home side enjoyed a penalty following Nguyen Rodger’s infringement on Hanoi’s Hoang Vu Samson in the goal area. Samson successfully converted that golden opportunity into a goal to put Hanoi ahead.
Inspired by the opener just before half-time, the host team kick-started the second half confidently, putting continuous pressure on the Dong Nai side.
Just one minute after the hour mark, Samson unleashed a strong header to beat Dong Nai goalkeeper Hoang Tuan and double the advantage for the Hanoi team, making himself the most productive striker of the 2014 V-League season, with 17 goals in 11 games.
The 2-0 score was preserved until the end of the match, as Dong Nai’s following attacks were not effective enough to break through Hanoi’s stubborn defensive line.
The victory cemented Hanoi’s third position with 26 points and boosted their spirit and confidence in the bid against front-runners Thanh Hoa and Becamex Binh Duong for this year’s V-League title.
In other 16th round matches, Dong Tam Long An beat Quang Ninh Coal 2-1 on their home field while Vicem Hai Phong conceded two goals to guests QNK Quang Nam.
V-League giants Song Lam Nghe An and SHB Da Nang had to share points in their 1-1 draw on May 24, while Hung Vuong An Giang could not break out of bottom ranking after being held 3-3 by Hoang Anh Gia Lai the following day.
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