>>> V.League preview: Hanoi FC poised to solidify top spot
After losing to Viettel in the last round, forcing them to pass the first place position to defending champions Hanoi FC, Ho Chi Minh City FC regained their top ranking with great determination after a 2-0 victory against national cup holders Becamex Binh Duong in the late match yesterday.
Playing home at Thong Nhat Stadium, hosts HCM City quickly opened the scoring in the third minute thanks to Akinade’s goal from a mistake by the guests’ defensive line.
The visitors reacted fiercely but To Van Vu and Augusto failed to turn their opportunities into goals in the remainder of the first half.
The hosts were loyal to the counter-attack and created a range of difficulties for the guests. It must be said Binh Duong's strikers had a bad day as they continuously missed their target in the second half.
In the last minute, Akinade finished his brace from Mansaray’s pass to seal the 2-0 victory for HCM City. Coach Chung Hae-soung’s side are temporarily back to the top spot with 30 points after 15 matches, two points ahead Hanoi FC, but the runners-up still have one match in hand.
On the same day, at Thien Truong Stadium, hosts Nam Dinh beat Viettel 2-0 to escape from the table bottom group. Skipper Van Phu and Xuan Quy’s respective goals in each half helped the hosts earn the full three points at home.
Two goals from Rimario also helped hosts Thanh Hoa beat Song Lam Nghe An 2-0, while hosts Quang Nam defeated Saigon FC 3-1.
Matchday 15 will continue with the remaining three matches later today, seeing SHB Da Nang meet Hai Phong, Quang Ninh Coal face Hoang Anh Gia Lai, and Hanoi FC play Sanna Khanh Hoa.
