The runners-up of V.League 1, FLC Thanh Hoa FC, lost to Bali United of Indonesia 1-3 in the third match of Group G of AFC Cup 2018 on March 7.

Bali United of Indonesia (in red and white) beat Thanh Hoa 3-1 in the third match of Group G of AFC Cup 2018 on March 7. (Source: AFC Photo)

Although playing away from home, Thanh Hoa demonstrated confidence in the game. Edward Ofere had a chance to open the score for Thanh Hoa in the second minute but he failed.

In the 14th minute, the Vietnamese side enjoyed a penalty following a foul by Demerson on midfielder Ryutaro Karube. However in the 11m spot, striker and captain Pape Omar Faye couldn’t beat goalie Wawan Hendrawan of the hosts. After that, Ofere had the ball but he headed over the crossbar.

Thanh Hoa’s efforts were repaid by a goal of Karube in the 29th minute. They were awarded a free kick 20 yards (nearly 19m) from the goal and Karube curled the ball into the top corner.

After the break, Bali United played attacks continuously to seek goals. From a counter attack in the 66th minute, Yabes Roni Malaifani levelled the score for the United. Nick van der Velden flighted the ball over the top and Malaifani controlled the ball on his chest before prodding it past goal keeper Tran Buu Ngoc.

Malaifani’s goal created a driving force for the Indonesian team to press the visitors.

Taking full advantage of an error of Thanh Hoa’s defence line, Demerson headed home from Fadhil Sausu’s corner in the 72nd minute to help United take the lead of 2-1.

Only two minutes later, Stefano Lilipaly broke the offside trap to fix the match of 3-1 in favour of the Indonesian side.

With this loss, Thanh Hoa’s chance to reach the next round is faint as they have only notched three points after three games.-VNA