Nhan Dan Online- Nguyen Hoang Helio’s goal from the penalty spot helped Song Lam Nghe An beat powerhouse Da Nang 1-0 in a fierce and exciting game at Vinh stadium yesterday.
This was the second loss of Da Nang this season.
Hosts Song Lam Nghe An were determined to secure a home victory over leaders Da Nang as they suffered two losses in five rounds.
Song Lam played better in the first half, producing a lot of chances to score. But Fagan Diego’s two powerful shots in the 11th and 12th minutes were saved by Da Nang’s goalkeeper Thanh Binh.
In the 41st minute, Helio gave Song Lam the lead when he emphatically converted from the penalty spot. Four minutes later, Fagan shot over the crossbar.
Two minutes into the second half, Da Nang had a real chance to equalise when they got a penalty but top striker Merlo’s 11-metre strike hit the post.
From this moment, Da Nang intensified their attacks but could not create any real opportunity to level the score.
On the contrary, the host counter-attacks seemed to be very dangerous. In 15 last minutes, goalie Thanh Binh did his best to keep the score down, saving twice from substitute Devon Derron and one apiece from Kavin Bryan and Fagan Diego.
With a 1-0 win over Da Nang, Song Lam Nghe An moved into third place from sixth with 10 points while, Da Nang (12 points) temporarily stood at top of the table despite their loss to Song Lam. But they may lose the first position to Dong Thap (11 points from five games), Hoa Phat (9 points) or Khanh Hoa (9 points).
Today T & T Hanoi will face Dong Tam Long An at Hang Day stadium.
On Sunday, there will be five matches between ACB Hanoi and Dong Thap, Navibank Saigon and Khanh Hoa, Binh Duong and Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh and Hoa Phat, Hai Phong and Hoang Anh Gia Lai.
By HN