The 0-3 opening loss to Nam Dinh FC put manager Chu Dinh Nghiem and his Hanoi side early under pressure in the new season. Therefore, the capital team targeted a home triumph against Binh Duong in order to revive their psychology and confidence.
After a slow start, Hanoi FC materialised their determination with an opening goal by Geovane Magno in the 26th minute. From a left-wing cornerkick situation, Viet Anh produced a header assist for the Brazilian midfielder to stab the ball into an empty net to put the hosts in front.
However, parity was almost nearly restored a few minutes before halftime as Tien Linh struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a freekick assist by Van Vu.
 |
(Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
Hanoi FC dominated ball possession early in the second half, but a defensive mistake cost them dearly. Six minutes after the break, Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side rose too high, enabling Mansaray to burst down and take an accurate long pass from Thanh Long. The US player showed a brilliant effort, dashing forward and lofting the ball out of goalkeeper Tan Truong’s reach to find the back of the net.
Mansaray’s equaliser turned the game around, inspiring the guests to play more comfortably while Hanoi FC became impatient at the prospect of dropping points on their home field.
The hosts spurned a golden opportunity to restore their lead three minutes later, with Bruno missing a close-range attempt.
Hanoi keeper Tan Truong successfully blocked a left-footed shot by Duy Khanh in the 65the minute, but he could not prevent Tien Linh from scoring the second goal for the away team seven minutes later.
 |
Becamex Binh Duong players celebrate scoring a goal during the match. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
With time running out, Hanoi FC made concerted efforts seeking to level the game; however, Quang Hai and Bruno did not make successful use of their created opportunities.
Remaining empty-handed after the first two rounds, Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side continue to stand at the bottom of the table, while Becamex Binh Duong temporarily rise to second place with six points.
On the same day, Hai Phong FC edged out Nam Dinh FC 3-2 at home to take the top of the standings on goal difference. Meanwhile, a solitary goal by Ho Tan Tai earned the V.League 1 newbies a 1-0 victory over Saigon FC.
Hoang Anh Gia Lai bagged their first win under the dynasty of new manager Kiatisuk by beating Song Lam Nghe An 2-1 at Pleiku Stadium thanks to the goals from Minh Vuong (66’) and Van Toan (83’).
The last three clashes of Matchday 2 will take place today (January 24) with Thanh Hoa FC, Quang Ninh Coal and Ho Chi Minh City hosting Viettel FC, SHB Da Nang and Hong Linh Ha Tinh FC, respectively.
