Quang Nam came from behind to beat leaders FLC Thanh Hoa with a score of 3-2 in the 18th round of the V-League 2017 on September 17, thus reclaiming third-place position from Saigon, who played out a goalless draw against Quang Ninh Coal in another game on Sunday.

Captain Thanh Trung contributes a goal and an assist in Quang Nam's victory. 

Returning to their home field after an away defeat to Saigon in the previous round, manager Petrovic and his players were determined to secure a win over Quang Nam in order to maintain a safe gap over the chasing pack. 

However, the reigning V-League runners-up’s ambition was dealt a heavy blow by a resilient and determined Quang Nam.

Playing with a strong attacking trio, including Uche, Van Thang and Omar, FLC Thanh Hoa went ahead after only 15 minutes, as Pape Omar successfully converted Iheruome Uche’s smart cross to score the opener for the home side.

Despite the goal, the guests remained patient and looked to attack through the midfielders, especially captain Thanh Trung.

Seven minutes before halftime, Trung curled in an accurate cross for Claudecir and the Brazilian striker slotted home to bring the match level.

Van Thang restored Thanh Hoa’s advantage 10 minutes after break, with a long-range strike into the top corner, only to see his effort cancelled out by Thanh Trung, who got himself on the score-sheet with a successful penalty kick in the 73rd minute.

With time running out, the game was end-to-end as both teams attacked seeking a decisive goal. It was Quang Nam who came out victorious, as substitute Anh Tuan made it 3-2 for the guests with only three minutes left to play.

The impressive victory lifted Quang Nam to third place in the provisional V-League table with 31 points, ahead of Saigon and behind reigning champions Hanoi FC on goal difference.

Meanwhile, a second consecutive loss posed no impact on Thanh Hoa’s top position but reduced their gap on those behind to just two points.

In the other matches, Hai Phong, XSKT Can Tho and Becamex Binh Duong recorded respective home wins of 3-1, 2-1 and 2-0 over Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi FC.

The remaining two home sides, SHB Da Nang and Hoang Anh Gia Lai, succumbed to 0-1 and 1-2 defeats to Song Lam Nghe An and Long An, respectively.     

Nhan Dan