Defensive errors led to Song Lam Nghe An leaving Hang Day Stadium empty-handed.

After a five-match winless streak, Song Lam Nghe An is plummeting down the V.League 2023/24 standings. If they fail to secure any points against hosts Cong An Hanoi in round 15, coach Phan Nhu Thuat's team will likely find themselves in the relegation zone.

Facing this situation, the team from Nghe An province is largely due to the absence of Nam Hai and Xuan Tien in recent rounds because of injuries. Especially in the match against the reigning champions, Song Lam Nghe An also lost Vuong Van Huy and Mai Sy Hoang. Both full-backs are currently serving suspensions from the VPF (Vietnam Professional Football).

To fill that void, coach Phan Như Thuật had to use Lê Nguyên Hoàng at left back. This player was born in 2005 and his preferred position is center back.

As usual, veteran Tran Dinh Hoang continues to be tasked with guarding the right flank. Mario Zebic and Van Thanh will be deployed in the central defensive positions.

The four midfielders for Song Lam Nghe An will be Ba Quyen, Quang Tu, Manh Quynh, and Van Viet. Playing highest up in the attack for the visiting team will be the duo of Olaha and Success.

On the other side of the pitch, two former Song Lam Nghe An players, Phan Van Duc and Ho Van Cuong, were absent from the starting lineup of Hanoi Police.

The defending champions boasted a strong squad, but it was Song Lam Nghe An who delivered the most surprises. Instead of playing defensively as expected, the team from Nghe An confidently controlled possession and engaged in an attacking game against the home side.

In the 7th minute, Song Lam Nghe An had the first dangerous opportunity of the match. Olaha skillfully controlled the ball in a tight space in the penalty area before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot, but goalkeeper Nguyen Filip made a superb save, pushing the ball away.

However, with their highly skilled players, Hanoi Police regained the initiative. To counter their opponent's strength, Song Lam Nghe An opted for a defensive counter-attacking strategy. This created difficulties for the home team's attack. The defending champions were unable to find a way past Van Viet's goal.

Conversely, despite playing with a large number of defenders, Song Lam Nghe An made very quick transitional passes that caused a lot of confusion for the opposing defense.

In the 22nd minute, following a cross from the left wing by Success, Olaha received the ball inside the Hanoi Police penalty area. However, the shot from the striker wearing number 7 could not get past the wall of defenders from the home team.

In the final minutes of the first half, Hanoi Police chose the left wing as their main attacking spearhead, where Van Thanh and Quang Hai were positioned. And if it weren't for Mario's excellent save, the home team could have broken the deadlock. Quang Hai delivered a tricky cross that cut across Van Viet's goal, but Mario rose high and bravely cleared the ball away.

In the second half, Hanoi Police continued to dominate the game. In the 55th minute, Van Thanh crossed the ball into the penalty area, and Jeferson Elias, holding off his defender well, took a shot that bounced awkwardly, leaving goalkeeper Van Viet unable to save it. However, after a VAR check, it was determined that the home team's striker was offside.

Just two minutes later, receiving a through pass from a teammate, Van Thanh sprinted forward. The winger from Hai Duong province skillfully chipped the ball accurately into the net in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Van Viet, opening the scoring.

In the 70th minute, Mario Zebic seized the opportunity to shoot and score against Hanoi Police, but the assistant referee raised the flag for offside against the visiting team's central defender.

Before the match ended, Hanoi Police were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Quang Hai took a powerful, low shot that found the back of the net, securing a 2-0 victory for the home team against SL Nghe An.