Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) were crowned the National U21 Football Champions after defeating defending champions Hanoi T&T, 1-0, in their final match in Can Tho city on October 12.

The tension from both teams due to the pressure of a final match made the game in Can Tho Stadium was palpable. The match remained goal-less until the end of the first half.

However, the game’s speed was amped up in the second half, after a number of changes on both sides.

It was not until the 61st minute that SLNA scored the opener as striker Ho Phuc Tinh, with a skillful dribble, left behind all of T&T’s defenders and the goalkeeper to score with a low shot.

T&T strengthened efforts to score the equaliser but failed to break through the strong defence of Nghe An.

The game’s only goal by Tinh helped Nghe An win their tournament record−the fifth time Nghe An has won the trophy. Dong Thap and SHB Da Nang shared third place.

Tinh won top scorer title with a total of five goals and was also voted most valuable player for his outstanding performance during the championship.

The tournament was hosted by the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho from October 2-12, gathering eight U21 teams competing in two groups for the championship title worth VND250 million.