Hanoi FC convincingly defeated Hai Phong 2-0: David Fisher and Hoang Hen both scored.

In Round 13 of the V-League, Hanoi FC asserted their dominance as a championship contender by defeating Hai Phong 2-0 at Hang Day Stadium. Goals from foreign player David Fisher and striker Hoang Hen not only secured three crucial points but also propelled the capital city team to overtake their rivals and climb into the top group of the league table.

The home team dominated and scored an early opening goal.

Entering the crucial match with high spirits after their victory against SLNA, Coach Harry Kewell's team quickly established a dominant position from the very first minutes. Conversely, Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's ​​Hai Phong team started cautiously under pressure from recent poor results.

The disparity in play was evident early on, in the 10th minute. English striker David Fisher displayed a display of exceptional individual skill before unleashing a powerful shot, opening the scoring to the delight of the home crowd. The early goal allowed Hanoi FC to play more fluidly, constantly pushing their opponents back into their own half.

Hai Phong faces a deadlock, but a turning point comes from VAR.

Besides their superior ball control, Hanoi FC also created a series of dangerous opportunities. In the 18th minute, goalkeeper Dinh Trieu had to make a strenuous effort to block Fisher's powerful long-range shot, preventing the striker from scoring an early brace. Meanwhile, the Hai Phong team's passing combinations were frequently broken down in the midfield area.

Hai Phong's most notable chance in the first half came from Tagueu in the 42nd minute. Unfortunately, after Trung Hieu's cross, the striker's close-range shot was inaccurate. This lack of finishing prevented the visitors from finding an equalizer before halftime.

In the second half, the tension escalated in the 65th minute when the referee had to consult VAR technology after a suspected handball by Tien Dung inside the penalty area. However, no penalty was awarded, prompting Hai Phong to pour all their efforts into attacking in an attempt to salvage a point.

A sharp counterattack and the final result.

Despite their best efforts, the attacking moves of coach Chu Đình Nghiêm's players proved too monotonous and were easily neutralized by the home team's tightly organized defense. Their eagerness to push forward cost Hai Phong dearly from a counter-attack in the 79th minute.

Tuan Hai delivered a sublime through pass that tore apart the opposing defense, creating an opportunity for Hoang Hen to run down and finish neatly, doubling the lead. This goal officially shattered the fighting spirit of the visiting team in the final minutes of the match.

With a convincing 2-0 victory, Hanoi FC officially climbed to fourth place in the V-League standings. Conversely, Hai Phong remains in a difficult period, continuing to fall to a lower position.

Match statistics