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Surprising as it might be, SLNA’s victory was quite well-deserved. With a scientific, solid and disciplined play style, the guests showed everyone why they remain as the only team to keep a clean sheet since the beginning of the season.
Meanwhile, the unexpected defeat officially put an end to Hanoi FC’s 33-game unbeaten run at home in domestic tournaments (27 wins and six draws).
Facing a Hanoi side without Moses and Quang Hai in the starting squad, SLNA produced a strong start in the match at Hang Day Stadium. Ngo Quang Truong’s troops deployed subtle counterattacks with the mobility of forward duo Peter Samuel and Ho Tuan Tai.
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(Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
In the first 30 minutes, SLNA had three counterattacking situations that could have been converted into goals, with a clear-cut chance by Ho Tuan Tai, who was unable to beat goalkeeper Van Cong in a one-on-one.
Hanoi FC’s best opportunity in the first half, and also during the whole match, came from a mistake committed by SLNA midfielder Dinh Chau, who lost the ball in front of the box, allowing Hanoi forward Nguyen Van Quyet to face off with goalie Van Hoang. The guests’ keeper struggled to block Van Quyet’s powerful shot before Rimario hit the post on the rebound.
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Song Lam Nghe An players celebrate their solitary goal. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
SLNA maintained their confidence into the second half, which inspired them to claim the opener three minutes before the hour mark with Van Lam firing a delightful long-range strike that left Hanoi FC goalkeeper Van Cong flat-footed.
In the following minutes, manager Chu Dinh Nghiem put Quang Hai and Van Kien onto the field seeking to strengthen the hosts’ attacking power. Shortly after coming off the bench, star player Quang Hai produced constant threats on the SLNA goal area, placing a shot narrowly wide and forcing goalie Van Hoang to parry the ball twice.
No more goals were scored by both teams until the final whistle, but the 1-0 score was enough to help SLNA leave Hang Day Stadium with the full three points for the first time in eight years.
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(Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
The brave victory lifted Ngo Quang Truong’s side to the top spot of the table with 11 points, while pushing reigning champions Hanoi FC to seventh place with four fewer points.
In other matches on Thursday, Hoang Anh Gia Lai didn’t manage to make use of their 1-0 lead, earned by Chevaughn Walsh (12’), to secure a home win against Saigon FC, as Geovane scored a few minutes after halftime to earn the guests a precious point.
Newly promoted Hong Linh Ha Tinh played out a goalless home draw against former champions SHB Da Nang.
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Thanh Hoa FC (in yellow) claim their first win in V.League 2020.
Thanh Hoa FC eventually clinched their first victory in V.League 2020 after a solitary goal by Van Thang (18’) edged them past Nam Dinh FC 1-0 on home field.
