Hanoi FC claim maiden National Cup title after comeback win

Reigning V.League champions Hanoi FC completed their double this season after fighting back to beat Quang Nam FC 2-1 on October 31 to clinch the 2019 Vietnamese National Cup trophy.

Hanoi FC players celebrate their first-ever National Cup trophy.
Hanoi FC players celebrate their first-ever National Cup trophy.

* Wasteful Hanoi forced to 2-2 draw with 4.25 SC

* Hanoi FC miss maiden AFC Cup final after goalless draw against 4.25 SC

* Hanoi FC crowned V.League champions with two games in hand

Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side trailed behind by one goal in the first half due to Thanh Trung’s own goal, but two goals scored by Van Quyet and Papa Kebe after the break handed Hanoi FC their first-ever title in the National Cup arena.

The capital team headed into the away clash with great determination to win the crown and complete their domestic collection. However, their ambition was dealt a big blow in the 34th minute as centre back Thanh Trung unexpectedly headed home an own goal and put the guests on the back foot.

Kebe came close to restoring the parity three minutes later with a header from eight metres which was denied by the Quang Nam goalkeeper, Pham Van Cuong. On the opposite side, Quang Nam also created some opportunities to widen their advantage, but Gabriel Dos Santos and Ha Minh Tuan could not capitalise on any of them.

In the second half, Hanoi FC strengthened their attacks seeking for an equaliser. Following a bunch of wasted chances, the V.League champions finally found the back of the net, with Van Quyet, assisted by Kebe, shooting past keeper Van Cuong to make it 1-1 seven minutes after the hour mark.

The goal enabled Hanoi FC to play more comfortably and inspired them to raise the pressure on the home side. Eight minutes from stoppage time, Van Quyet chipped a delightful pass to Kebe who beat the Quang Nam goalie in a one-on-one to seal a 2-1 comeback win for the capital team.

The supreme triumph in the National Cup arena wrapped up an amazing season for Hanoi FC, who dominated the domestic tournaments (V.League and National Cup) and advanced to the AFC Cup inter-zone play-off final.