Hanoi FC put their humiliating 5-2 defeat to Saigon FC behind them, as manager Chu Dinh Nghiem's side came from behind to taste victory over SHB Da Nang by the same score at home in the 15th round of the 2018 Nuti Café V.League on June 23.

Hanoi players celebrate a goal against SHB Da Nang. 

Hanoi produced a blistering start to the match, with midfielder Hung Dung testing Theda Nang goalkeeper after only eight minutes.

However, it was the away team who scored the first goal of the game, as Viet Thang headed home Thanh Thinh's right-wing pass from close range two minutes later.

After the unexpected opener, Hanoi tightened up their defence and deployed fast attacks along the wings. Following near misses by Van Kien and Van Hau, Ngan Van Dai finally brought the match back to parity with a well-placed header in the 23rd minute.

However, the visitors needed just six more minutes to restore their lead thanks to Ewode Christian's close-range header. Their joy was short-lived, another three minutes later and the home side had equalised for the second time with another excellent header, this time delivered by Duy Manh.

Chu Dinh Nghiem's side completed their resurgence a few minutes before half time, as popular forward Nguyen Quang Hai struck a powerful shot which beat keeper Van Hung.

Hai, the hero of Vietnam's U23s at the recent 2018 AFC U23 Championship, went on to challenge the Da Nang goalie with a well-hit long-range strike three minutes into the second half, before substitute Hoang Vu Samson headed home Van Quyet's 74th-minute corner for Hanoi's fourth goal.

With time running out, the V.League leaders continued to take control of the game, with Samson making sure Hanoi's domination paid off by netting an additional goal in the 92nd minute, sealing a commanding 5-2 triumph for Chu Dinh Nghiem's side.

The well-deserved victory helped Hanoi FC to solidify their reign on top of the provisional table with 38 points and a very safe lead of 13 points over second-placed Quang Ninh Coal, who suffered a shock 1-2 defeat to Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN.

Song Lam Nghe An escaped from the bottom group following their much-needed 1-0 win against XSKT Can Tho, while a 2-3 loss to Hoang Anh Gia Lai damaged Saigon FC’s hopes of breaking out of the relegation zone.

Nam Dinh FC moved a significant step towards realising their ambition of V.League survival after they edged out Ho Chi Minh City with a 2-1 win. The victory helped the league newbies to escape the bottom position for the first time, moving to second from bottom and level on 13 points with Saigon and HCM City.

Reigning champions, Quang Nam played out a 1-1 home draw with Hai Phong, while FLC Thanh Hoa took an impressive 3-1 win over former title holders Becamex Binh Duong.

Nhan Dan