Wednesday 31 August 2011

Navibank to represent Vietnam at AFC Cup

Navibank Sai Gon will represent Viet Nam at the Asian Football Confederation Cup next year, after winning the National Cup on Saturday.

Navibank defeated Song Lam Nghe An 3-0 on their home turf, Thong Nhat Stadium, to take their first title since 1991.

Navibank's striker Nguyen Quang Hai opened the score in the 37th minute of the match, after missing several chances.

Navibank's spirit was invigorated after the goal, while the players on Song Lam Nghe An were visibly disheartened.

Their disappointing performance caused a loosening of the defensive line, which let a second goal through just five minutes later.

Cao Quang Huong made a beautiful shot off the box, which flew over the outstretched arms of Nghe An's goalie Nguyen Duc Thang.

Although the host then slowed down the pace of the game, the new V-league champions failed to take back control of the match.

Keeper Nguyen The Anh had a leisurely game and Navibank defenders did not have to expend too much energy to stop Nghe An's attacks.

The second half of the match saw not much change, although coach Nguyen Huu Thang had more than 10 minutes to adjust his tactics as well as encourage his players.

Just nine minutes after the break, Huong doubled his goal tally, taking advantage of a sudden opening.

The midfielder – in an attempt to pass the ball into the box – made an errant kick that went over keeper Thang's reach before entering the net.

"I have to say thank you to all players on my team who performed at their best to secure this title. It's been 10 years since we've held this cup. I and the team are proud to do it for the (HCM) city," said coach Mai Duc Chung.

Meanwhile coach Thang regretted that he could not secure a title double this season after the loss.

"It was a pity that we could not win the second tournament, but we have to accept that because it was a good game.

"We lost because of some key players including captain Nguyen Huy Hoang," he said.

The two teams will meet for a second time in the Super Cup match, which has not yet been scheduled.

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