LS V.League 1-2020 Matchday 1

Josep Mpande’s superb goal earns Hai Phong away win against Thanh Hoa

Josep Mpande scored a superb late goal to hand Hai Phong FC a 1-0 away win against Thanh Hoa FC in V.League on March 8.

V.League - Matchday 1 - Thanh Hoa vs Hai Phong - March 8, 2020 Josep Mpande celebrates scoring a superb goal for Hai Phong FC against Thanh Hoa. (Photo: Vnexpress)
V.League - Matchday 1 - Thanh Hoa vs Hai Phong - March 8, 2020 Josep Mpande celebrates scoring a superb goal for Hai Phong FC against Thanh Hoa. (Photo: Vnexpress)

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The hosts prevailed during the majority of the clash but were unable to capitalise on the created opportunities.

Their wastefulness was eventually punished by Mpande, who juggled the ball over the head of a Thanh Hoa player and used his thigh to control it before firing a rocket into the top corner of keeper Thanh Diep’s goal.

With the opening victory, Hai Phong FC have now joined Viettel, Becamex Binh Duong and Hoang Anh Gia Lai in third place on the table, just behind Hanoi FC and Ho Chi Minh City on goal difference.

The guests’ triumph was significantly contributed by goalkeeper Nguyen Van Toan, who made three brilliant saves to help Pham Anh Tuan’s side retain a clean sheet throughout the 90 minutes of play.

In the 24th minute, from a left-flank corner kick by Nguyen Huu Dung, Hoang Vu Samson moved wisely and jumped high to blast a powerful header. However, Van Toan and teammate Pham Manh Hung made timely goal-line clearance to rescue the away side.

Four minutes after the hour mark, the Hai Phong goalie slightly touched a shot in a one-on-one with Thanh Hoa forward Le Van Thang, making it hit the post, before successfully parrying a close-range rebound by Hoang Vu Samson shortly later.

Wasted opportunities forced Thanh Hoa to pay dearly. A few minutes from full time, Mpande delivered an excellent personal showing firing an unstoppable long-range strike to beat goalkeeper Thanh Diep, sealing a precious 1-0 away victory for Hai Phong FC.

Newly promoted Hong Linh Ha Tinh had a brave home match against Viettel FC on the same day. Pham Minh Duc’s troops produced a number of threats to the visitors and almost secured their first point in the 2020 V.League but for Viet Phong’s late shining display.

Viet Phong scores a late winner for Viettel FC against Hong Linh Ha Tinh. (Photo: VPF)

Three minutes from full time, Viet Phong received a convenient long-range pass from Khac Ngoc and dribbled the ball past Huu Quy and keeper Quang Tuan before slotting it into the empty net to hand Viettel an opening 1-0 triumph.

Gustavo celebrates scoring a solitary goal for Becamex Binh Duong against SHB Da Nang. (Photo: tuoitre.vn)

In other Sunday fixtures, former champions Becamex Binh Duong defeated SHB Da Nang 1-0 on home turf thanks to a solitary strike by Gustavo, while Saigon FC were held to a goalless draw by Song Lam Nghe An.