Lacking key forward Nguyen Cong Phuong due to injury, HCMC did not create any clear-cut chances, excluding a missed penalty late in the match, and succumbed to their third consecutive league defeat.
From the position of the odds-on title favourites, Chung Hae-seong’s side have almost been kicked out of the title race this season as their gap with leaders Viettel has been extended to eight points with only four games left to go.
Meanwhile, the narrow victory against HCMC has lifted Viettel FC past Saigon FC to reign on top of the V.League 1 table with one point clear. Earlier on the same day, Saigon FC suffered a 1-3 away loss to Becamex Binh Duong, thus dropping the chance to retain their top spot.
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HCMC hosted guests Viettel with the absence of seven key players, which prevented them from producing effective attacks.
In the 34th minute, Viettel earned a penalty after Trong Hoang was fouled by defender Nguyen Cong Thanh in the box. From the spot, Bruno Cantanhede easily beat goalkeeper Thanh Thang to open the scoring for Truong Viet Hoang’s side.
The hosts could only blame themselves for their defeat as they squandered a penalty just one minute from second-half stoppage time, with Viettel goalie Tran Nguyen Manh brilliantly blocking the spot kick from midfielder Tran Thanh Binh.
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In the third round of V.League 1’s phase 2, Viettel FC will return home stadium Hang Day to host Becamex Binh Duong, while HCMC will play a derby with city rival Saigon FC, both on October 19.
V.League 1 action will continue today (October 15) with the five remaining clashes of Matchday 2.
