VietNamNet Bridge – Sai Gon Xuan Thanh team struggled to a 3-2 win against Khatoco Khanh Hoa in the last 16 of the National Cup in HCM City on Saturday.

Come from behind victory: Kesley Alves (second left) of Sai Gon Xuan Thanh celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the last 16 National Cup match against Khanh Hoa on Satuday. Sai Gon won 3-2. (Photo: VNS)

The hosts were shocked by an early goal just three minutes into the game when Khanh Hoa striker Huu Phat tapped in from close range after a shot from teammate Ngoc Dieu.

However the newly-recruited trio combined in a slick move to level proceedings with a goal from Kesley.

The hosts then dominated possession, but slack defending led to a second goal for Khatoco Khanh Hoa in the 22nd minute.

Left winger Ngoc Dieu finished a swift counter attack with an exquisite volley that stunned national goalie Bui Tan Truong.

Kesley and Cameroon's Nsi missed two clear chances to level the game at the end of the second half, foiled by Khanh Hoa's goalkeeper Danh Hoang Tuan.

Five minutes after the break, Nsi had another chance to score an equaliser, but Khanh Hoa's goalie was too good for him.

Antonio finally made the scores level in the 82nd minute, outjumping defenders from a corner kick to put the ball in the back of the net. And the drama wasn't over, with Nsi setting up Ho Ngoc Huy to head home the winner in the 90th minute.

In the other played yesterday, Dec 25, Song Lam Nghe An beat Dong Thap 2-1; Ninh Binh took a 2-1 win over Ha Noi football club, while Can Tho lost to Thanh Hoa 3-0.

Navibank Sai Gon were defeated 4-3 by Binh Dinh; Ha Noi T&T crushed Hai Phong 2-0; Lam Dong were defeated by Da Nang 3-1 on penalties, and Kien Giang stunned Hoang Anh Gia Lai 2-1.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News