VietNamNet Bridge – Nguyen Minh Phuong scored on a dramatic last minute free kick to help reigning V-League champions SHB Da Nang edge out Ayeyawady of Myanmar 3-2 in their fifth Group G qualifying game held at the Youth Training Centre, Yangon on Tuesday.

Nanda Lin Kyaw Chit put Ayeyawaday in front 23 minutes into the match but Vietnamese visitors came back vigorously with two consecutive goals from Huynh Quoc Anh and substitute Ha Minh Tuan in the 41st and 43rd minutes, respectively.

Satoshi Otomo restored parity for the Myanmar side five minutes into the second half.

Vietnamese fans had to wait until the stoppage time to celebrate victory when captain Minh Phuong shined from the penalty spot to seal a final 3-2 win for the Da Nang team.

The precious victory helped Da Nang consolidate their second place in Group G with nine points, one point behind leaders Kelantan of Malaysia and two ahead of Maziya from the Maldives, who they will host in their last group game on April 30.

SHB Da Nang will only need a draw in their clash with Maziya to become the second representative of Group G, after already-qualified Kelantan, in the knockout round.

Meanwhile, National Cup winners Saigon Xuan Thanh tied 2-2 with Tampines Rovers of Singapore in a Group H qualifying match on the same day. Saigon will play guests to India’s East Bengal in their last group-stage game on April 30 and a draw will also be needed for them to secure a slot in Round 16.

Source: Nhan Dan