Wary of Gia Lai’s dangerous playing style, Viettel went on the attack straight from the kick-off, controlling possession in the first 20 minutes. As the proceedings on the field favoured Viettel, Gia Lai suddenly went ahead against the run of play, with Hoang Thanh Tung heading home from close range. Tung’s opener completely changed the outlook of the match. Viettel lost their solidity in their playing style and had to go on the attack in search of an equaliser. However, the psychological advantage enabled Hoang Anh Gia Lai to dominate the remainder of the game and they doubled the lead with ten minutes left, as Van Anh successfully converted a rebound off the cross bar. The second goal eliminated Viettel’s hopes of a comeback, making the remainder of the match a one-sided battle. Three minutes from time, Le Van Son put the game to bed with a successful penalty kick, sealing a convincing overall 3-0 win for Hoang Anh Gia Lai. It was Gia Lai’s maiden national U21 title in their history. Song Lam Nghe An and Binh Duong shared the third prize overall. With the goal making it 3-0 for Gia Lai, Le Van Son joined Phan Van Duc of Song Lam Nghe An as the winners of the "top scorer” title, with three goals each. In addition, the Gia Lai player was also voted as the best player of this year’s tournament. |
Source: NDO