Defending champions TN Nghi Loc win a hard-fought victory against Quy Hop.

(Baonghean.vn) - In the first match of the tournament, defending champions Nghi Loc Youth Team had to rely on a penalty shootout to overcome Quy Hop Youth Team.

Key events of the first half:

Penalty shootout:

Nghi Loc Youth Team (Yellow Shirts):Hoang Van Hau (20), Phung Ngoc Dai (6), Nguyen Nhu Minh Duc (7), Truong Tho Duc (9), Vo Hoang Son (10), Dang Huu Thanh (14), Tran Nguyen Anh (12).

Quy Hop Youth Team (Blue Shirts):Dau Xuan Vi (1), Tran Van Quang (3), Phan Van Tai Nguyen (6), Hoang Thai Son (9), Cao Thai Phuc (10), Dau Vi Minh (11), Bui Trung Hieu (12).

The two teams appeared to be fairly evenly matched in terms of physique and fitness.

The Nghi Loc Youth Team is the reigning champion of the tournament. Last year's championship "saved" the entire youth football scene in the district, breathing new life into the sport. This year, the Nghi Loc Youth Team aims to defend their title and assert themselves as a new force.

Last season, the Quy Hop Youth Team didn't perform exceptionally well, but they've been playing increasingly professionally and attractively. The team's players have gradually shone, leaving a deep impression on opposing teams, spectators, and SLNA Club scouts. In the 2016 season, the Quy Hop Youth Team hopes to make new history for the province's football.

In the opening minutes of the match, TN Nghi Loc was the team pressing forward.

In the opening minutes of the match, TN Nghi Loc created the first dangerous opportunities, but their strikers failed to capitalize. In such a closely contested and evenly matched game, opportunities needed to be seized more than ever, but the TN Nghi Loc players failed to do so. TN Quy Hop also had their own chances, but their tallest striker, number 10 Cao Thai Phuc, hesitated, allowing the TN Quy Hop defenders to return in time to neutralize the threat.

In the 11th minute, Nguyen Nhu Minh Duc, wearing jersey number 7 for TN Nghi Loc, dribbled the ball from the midfield, broke through the TN Quy Hop defender, and calmly chipped the ball over the opposing goalkeeper's head to score the opening goal. The score was 1-0 in favor of TN Nghi Loc.

Nguyen Nhu Minh Duc scored the winning goal.

Having taken the lead, defending champions TN Nghi Loc played increasingly well, gradually taking control of the game and forcing TN Quy Hop into a difficult defensive position. TN Quy Hop gradually showed signs of fatigue in one-on-one challenges, and began to seek their luck with long-range shots, but they couldn't get past TN Nghi Loc's goalkeeper Hoang Van Hau.

Outside the field, the Quy Hop Youth team's captain continuously shouted encouragement, boosting the morale of his team. With this encouragement and reinforcements, Quy Hop Youth gradually regained control of the game. They created several dangerous situations in front of Nghi Loc Youth's goal, but luck was not on their side. The score remained 1-0 at the end of the first half.

Trailing by a goal, TN Quỳ Hợp launched a strong comeback.

Entering the second half, in the 3rd minute (28th minute of the match), the Quy Hop Youth team unexpectedly scored an equalizer. Player number 12, Bui Trung Hieu, unleashed a long-range shot from outside the penalty area. The Nghi Loc Youth team's goalkeeper failed to hold onto the ball, and the tall striker wearing number 11 for Quy Hop Youth, Dau Vi Minh, quickly pounced on the rebound and scored to level the score at 1-1.

At times, it forced opponents into a chasing position.

Starting over, both teams played with great determination, creating many sharp attacking opportunities. However, the defenses of both teams were playing solidly and alertly.

In the 41st minute of the match, TN Quỳ Hợp scored their second goal. The scorer was once again number 11, Đậu Vĩ Minh. Receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, the striker dribbled two more steps before unleashing a decisive shot to score for his team. The final score was 2-1 in favor of TN Quỳ Hợp.

TN Nghi Loc immediately responded. In the 42nd minute of the match, number 9 of the defending champions, Truong Tho Duc, quickly scored with a close-range shot after a scramble in front of TN Quy Hop's goal. The score was 2-2.

The two teams decided the winner through a penalty shootout.

The joy of victory for the Nghi Loc Youth team and their home fans.

The two halves ended in a draw. According to the tournament rules, in Group 3, a winner must be determined. The two teams then went to a penalty shootout, and TN Nghi Loc won with a score of 5-4.

Reporters' Team