Ahead of the clash against SLNA, Khanh Hoa had won two consecutive league games to reduce their gap with the above-placed team to just three points, thus kindling hopes of retaining their V.League berth next season.
Determined to clinch another three points at home, Vo Dinh Tan’s troops played offensively right from the start. However, the guests proved dangerous in their counterattacks, with Vinicius dribbling the ball past a Khanh Hoa defender before testing keeper Tuan Manh in a one-on-one at 12 minutes.
The home side replied immediately, with Patiyo taking a long ball from his teammate and blasting a shot from 16 metres, which forced goalie Nguyen Manh to work hard for a block.
Despite Khanh Hoa’s efforts, SLNA proved more effective in their attacks, taking the lead in the 19th minute with Ho Tuan Tai heading home Quang Tinh’s cross from the right flank.
The following minutes saw Khanh Hoa raise pressure in seeking to equalise the score. Patiyo again had his shot saved by keeper Nguyen Manh two minutes after the opener, with Toure striking the post three minutes later.
The hosts’ concerted attempts finally paid off in the 38th minute, as Huu Khoi slotted in from seven metres to bring the two sides level into half-time.
After the break, Khanh Hoa side’s fitness showed signs of deteriorating, allowing SLNA to score three additional goals. Vinicius beat keeper Tuan Manh to restore SLNA’s advantage four minutes into the second half, before Olaha defeated the Khanh Hoa goalie in a one-on-one to make it 3-1 in the 74th minute.
The guests’ stormy rally only stopped a few minutes from over-time, with Ho Tuan Tai punishing goalie Tuan Manh’s mistake by slotting in to seal a convincing 4-1 victory for Nguyen Duc Thang’s troops.
With the freshly won three points, SLNA have moved up to fourth place in the V.League table, only one point behind third-placed Quang Ninh Coal. Meanwhile, Sanna Khanh Hoa remain stuck at rock bottom, three points behind second-from-bottom Hoang Anh Gia Lai.
Hai Phong players celebrate their victory against Thanh Hoa FC. (Photo: VPF)
In another fixture on the same day, Thanh Hoa FC suffered a humiliating 0-3 home defeat against Hai Phong FC, thus dropping to third from bottom, only five points clear of Sanna Khanh Hoa.
Source: NDO
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