Hanoi FC (in purple) have their 13-game unbeaten run halted by Saigon. (Photo: VPF)
Hanoi got off to a fabulous start in their away match at Thong Nhat stadium, as current top scorer Oseni powered them ahead after only four minutes, helping to extend his 2018 league tally to 13.
The early advantage led everyone to think it would be another comfortable win for manager Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side against Saigon, placed second from bottom ahead of the encounter.
However, Oseni’s attempt was cancelled out just two minutes later, as Quoc Phuong fired a shot into the far bottom corner to level the score for the home side.
Phuong’s equaliser inspired Saigon to play with greater confidence. It was the host team who made better use of their opportunities in the remainder of the match. Two minutes before the half hour mark, Da Sylva jumped high to head home a second goal for Tai Em’s side.
After the break, Hanoi piled on pressure in search of the equaliser. Their efforts paid off in the 49thminute, when Quang Hai drove a stunning shot to beat Saigon keeper Duc An.
As it seemed that the guests were beck in the game, Da Sylva scored three additional goals in a row (55’, 64’, and 88’) to complete his poker in the match and seal a much-needed triumph for Saigon FC.
The shock victory against the odds-on title favourites helped Saigon to equal the 13 points of Ho Chi Minh City, who were beaten by two straight goals against Hai Phong on the same day.
V.League newbies Nam Dinh FC continued to foster their slim hopes of avoiding relegation by holding second-placed Quang Ninh Coal to a surprise 1-1 draw on their home field, while Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN and reigning champions Quang Nam played out a 2-2 tie.
Song Lam Nghe An moved up to fourth from bottom following their 2-1 away win over former champions Becamex Binh Duong, while SHB Da Nang defeated Hoang Anh Gia Lai by the same score.
The only June 16 clash, between XSKT Can Tho and FLC Thanh Hoa, ended up in a 0-1 score in favour of the latter.
Source: NDO
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