Late matches under the 19th round of the V-League 2017 on September 24 saw FLC Thanh Hoa beat hosts XSKT Can Tho 4-1 after two consecutive defeats in the previous rounds.

Thanh Hoa stay atop after the 19th round with 4-1 over Can Tho on Sunday. 

With a desire to win a victory to confirm their strength and regain the top spot on the rankings, Thanh Hoa players pushed up the game’s speed right from the first minutes, but they faced great determination from a team hoping to improve their performance to escape from the bottom group.

In the first half, Can Tho were somewhat more confident, but they were less fortunate as Thanh Hoa scored the first goal in the 28th minute when Trong Hoang’s finish hit a Can Tho player to head the ball into the net home, opening the scoring for the guests.

Inspired by the opener, Thanh Hoa strengthened attacks and in the 39th they had the second goal thanks to foreign player Uche’s header. This is also the tenth goal by the Nigerian striker this season.

In the injury of the first half, striker Nsi had a skillful performance in the middle of Thanh Hoa defenders and then accurately scored to narrow the gap to 1-2 for Can Tho.

Both teams accelerated their pace early in the second half and created many opportunities on both sides. 

However, while pressing to seek more goals against Thanh Hoa, Can Tho conceded the third goal in the 75th minute. 

Take advantage of loopholes left over when the hosts strengthened attacks, Thanh Hoa made a brilliant counterattack and ended up with a goal, widening the score to 3-1.

In the injury time, Van Thang scored the fouth goal for his team, claiming the 4-1 victory for FLC Thanh Hoa.

Hanoi FC (in purple) and Sai Gon FC (pink) tie 2-2 in an interesting match at Hang Day Stadium on September 24. (Credit: NDO/Tran Hai)

The same day, hosts Ho Chi Minh City narrowly won 1-0 against Hoang Anh Gia Lai, while 2-2 draw was the result of two clashes between Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN and Long An as well as between Hanoi FC and Saigon FC.

On Saturday, Quang Nam earned a 2-1 important home victory over Hai Phong, while two matches Becamex Binh Duong-Song Lam Nghe An and Quang Ninh Coal-SHB Da Nang all ended 0-0.

After the 19th round, FLC Thanh Hoa stay on the top spot with 36 points, two points ahead of the second ranked Quang Nam. 

In the third place are Hanoi FC, on par with fourth ranked Sai Gon FC with 32 points, but higher in terms of goal difference. XSKT Can Tho and Long An shared the bottom two with 17 points and nine points, respectively.

Nhan Dan