Song Lam Nghe An, Quang Ninh Coal and Thanh Hoa missed their chances to jump to the top of the V.League 1 after their draws in the 11th round, as leader Becamex Binh Duong played one day later.

Song Lam Nghe An, currently at second position, were tied 2-2 by second-from-bottom Can Tho. Quang Ninh Coal, despite a large bonus from their fan club, failed to defeat Sanna Khanh Hoa. Their match ended 3-3 on Saturday. Also, Thanh Hoa could not score against the effective defence of Quang Nam and brought home only one point after a 0-0 match yesterday.

Their draws resulted in their position being unchanged, leaving an opportunity for Becamex Binh Duong to expand their gap if they have a favorable result against Hai Phong today on their home turf.

The most watched match of the round should be a match between hosts Ha Noi T&T and Hoang Anh Gia Lai at the Hang Day Stadium, which lured a record 15,000 spectators.

T&T scored a goal every 10 minutes in the first half, with a double by Hoang Vu Samson. Meanwhile, Hoang Anh Gia Lai score three times, with two of their goals being penalty shootouts.

The victory helped T&T end their no-win streak and maintained them at No 9 in the rankings, with 13 points.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai, however, lengthened their poor performance. It was the sixth game in a row that they have not won this season. They are now at 11th place with eight points, just two more than the bottom group.

Coach Guillaume Graechen of Hoang Anh Gia Lai said his team would try to stay clear of the SOS area.

The former champions will welcome a 1.90m-tall midfielder next week, who is expected to improve their ability to resist high balls, which is their weakest point, at present.

Former national U19 halfback Bui Tien Dung, borrowed from Viettel, will also begin his service next week as he fills the hole in Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s defence, Graechen said.

In their next match on May 3, Hoang Anh Gia Lai will host Quang Nam.

Result:
SLNA – Can Tho: 2-2
SHB Da Nang – Dong Thap: 3-1
Quang Ninh coal– Sanna Khanh Hoa: 3-3
Ha Noi T&T – HAGL: 4-3

Truc Phuong