Hanoi FC players celebrate after the match.

The reigning champions took control of the game right from the start and threatened to score with Van Kien and Oseni hitting the woodwork.

With constant pressure, Hanoi FC eventually found the back of the net in the 28th minute thanks to a precise volley by Ganiyu Bolayi Oseni.

Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side could have doubled their advantage in the following minutes if Oseni, Pape Omar and Duc Huy had been more accurate in their finishes.

The wasted opportunities forced the hosts to pay sharply, as Thanh Hai converted a 44th-minute freekick into an equaliser for SHB Da Nang. Goalie Bui Tien Dung missed the chance to prove himself on his first cap for Hanoi FC this season by flying in the opposite direction of the shot.

Despite creating fewer opportunities after the break, Hanoi FC managed to restore their lead, pushing two goals in front thanks to a close-range strike by Oseni in the 67th minute and midfielder Hung Dung three minutes later.

The 3-1 gap turned out to be a safe margin for the home side, but their defensive line continued to reveal loopholes in the absence of pillar Tran Dinh Trong (suspension), nearly forcing them to pay dearly.

With nine minutes to go, SHB Da Nang pulled a goal back owing to Dominik Schmitt’s attempt. The guests closed in on equalising the score as Trong Hoa’s injury-time goal was ruled offside by the referee.

The hard-fought win allowed Hanoi FC to reduce their gap with leaders Ho Chi Minh City by two points. Meanwhile, by returning empty-handed from the capital, Le Huynh Duc’s side still remain stuck in the bottom half of the table.

In other matches on the same day, Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Quang Nam FC played out respective 1-1 draws against Becamex Binh Duong and Nam Dinh FC on home ground.

2019 V.League Table - Matchday 10

Nhan Dan