VietNamNet Bridge – Goalkeeper Nguyen Viet Nam saved Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) in their triumph over Navibank Sai Gon in a Super Cup match at Vinh Stadium on Saturday.

Defensive gap: Midfielder Nguyen Hong Viet (right) of Song Lam Nghe An passes Navibank Sai Gon's Nguyen Anh Tuan to open an attack during the Super Cup match at Vinh Stadium. Song Lam Nghe An won 4-2 after a penalty shootout. (Photo: VNS)
Nam made three saves in the penalty shootout to keep the Cup in Nghe An Province for the fourth time after their 4-2 win.

Playing on home turf V-League champions SLNA garnered great support from their fans, but still faced strong resistance from the visitors during the first half.

The absence of three foreign players, Fargan, Ansah and Kavin, who played key roles in the team's premier league victory this season, but moved to other clubs since, has left a large hole in the squad.

SLNA have updated their line-up with new faces but still need to streamline some rough edges.

Substitute Nguyen Hong Viet came on five minutes before the break to help swing the situation in the 53rd minute.

Newcomer-midfielder Hector made a right wing pass to Viet who easily tapped the ball into the net from close range.

However, they remained in the lead for only 10 minutes before National Cup winners Navibank Sai Gon equalised from goalie Nam's mistake.

Nam, in an effort to stop an attack slipped the ball to striker Luong Van Duoc Em who did not hesitate in scoring.

A draw after 90 minutes led to a penalty shootout which saw keeper Nam rise to the occasion as he successfully protected his net three times in a row.

"It was a difficult match for us because Naibank Sai Gon played strongly and were determined to take the Cup. I had to encourage my players to play their best constantly," said coach Nguyen Huu Thang of SLNA.

"Don't worry about our new foreigners. They still need time to integrate with the rest of the players. I believe that in the new season they will play well. Our victory today is a strong push in our upcoming title defence," Thang said.

On the other hand, coach Nguyen Cong Loc of Navibank Sai Gon said that his team was unlucky and not mentally prepared enough prior to the game.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News