VietNamNet Bridge – Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) lost to Khanh Hoa 4-2 in the 18th round of the V.League 1 on Sunday.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Khanh Hoa’s players vie for the ball in the 18th round of the V.League 1 on Sunday. — Photo performgroup.com

The game was held at the Pleiku Stadium in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

Before the match, HAGL’s attack was strengthened with the return of key striker Nguyen Cong Phuong, who was suspended from the last game.

The hosts were in clear control from the opening minutes of the game. Croatian Zeba Josip gave HAGL the lead in the fifth minute, heading in for the opener.

However, taking full advantage of defensive errors, the visitors scored in the 39th and 44th minute.

After the break, HAGL equalized through Brazilian striker Osmar Moreira in the 53rd minute.

Khanh Hoa fought back strongly and they proved their mettle by scoring two more goals in only eight minutes.

Nguyen Hoang Quoc Chi and Le Duy Thanh easily defeated goalkeeper Pham Van Tien to help Khanh Hòa win 4-2.

With the win, Khanh Hoa climbed to second position in the table with 31 points, while HAGL rank sixth with 24 points.

In other matches played yesterday, Hanoi beat HCM City 6-3, Quang Ninh crushed Can Tho 5-1 and defending champions Quang Nam tied with Binh Duong 4-4. Dinh Thanh Trung of Quang Nam and Nguyen Tien Linh of Binh Duong both scored a hat-trick.

Elsewhere, SHB Da Nang defeated Hai Phong 2-1 and last year’s runners-up Thanh Hoa bested Sai Gon 1-0.

Source: VNS