>>> Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung sends HCM City FC into National Cup quarterfinals
Possessing a much better lineup, the capital team, who are also the defending V.League title holders, soon took control of the match, forcing their First Division opponents into defensive play throughout the majority of the game.
Hanoi FC wasted several chances to open the scoring with Nguyen Quang Hai and Ngan Van Dai striking off the post before defender Nguyen Van Dung broke the deadlock in the 31st minute by powering home a cunning header from a corner kick that left Dong Thap goalkeeper Thanh Nha flat-footed.
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Hanoi FC face little difficulty in taking control of the match against lower-ranked Dong Thap (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side came close to doubling their advantage just a few minutes after halftime, but Ngan Van Dai’s beautiful free-kick unexpectedly struck the crossbar.
In the 80th minute, Hanoi FC spurned a golden opportunity to put the game to bed as Nguyen Thanh Chung incredibly shot the ball high in front of the empty net after a favourable right-flank pass from Van Kien.
However, the 23-year-old centre back redeemed himself one minute into injury time breaking the offside trap and shooting past goalkeeper Thanh Nha in a one-on-one.
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Hanoi FC's midfielder Pham Duc Huy (R) in action during the match (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
Substitute Tuan Anh wrapped up a “three-star” victory for the champions by firing a header into an empty net two minutes later.
With the convincing triumph, Hanoi FC have set up a quarterfinal clash against XSKT Can Tho, who edged out Binh Phuoc 1-0 on the same day.
In the remaining two last-eight matches, Becamex Binh Duong narrowly beat Thanh Hoa FC 1-0 thanks to a solitary goal by defender Ho Tan Tai, while V.League newbies Hong Linh Ha Tinh eliminated Quang Nam FC with the same score.
