Tan Ky Children's Football Team successfully defended their title at the Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth-Children Football Tournament

Children of Tan Ky (red shirt) and Quy Hop (blue and white shirt) entered the field with the highest determination. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Having excelled over a series of "big guys" in the tournament, Tan Ky and Quy Hop children's teams were present in the final match to compete for the championship. This was not only a confrontation between two neighbors, but also the two most recent champions of the tournament. Quy Hop children's teams were crowned champions in the 23rd season in 2019; after a 2-year pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tan Ky mountain town was crowned king when the tournament returned in the 24th season in 2022. The dream final between the two "kings" was full of emotion and drama.

The two teams entered the field with a spirit of fair play and dedication. Photo: Thanh Cuong

The opening whistle blew, Quy Hop children were given the right to serve first, knowing the attacking power of Tan Ky children, Quy Hop children proactively kept the ball firmly, not creating space for Tan Ky to penetrate.

However, immediately after winning the ball, Tan Ky children immediately launched sharp attacks. The first dangerous situation came in the 2nd minute of the match when number 5 Tran Dang Dat dribbled the ball strongly, crossed for number 7 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen to finish, the ball missed the post by a hair's breadth.

Tan Ky children are determined to defend their throne. Photo: Thanh Cuong

However, just a minute later, number 7 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen had a clumsy clearance in front of the penalty area, creating an opportunity for number 10 Ha Anh Van of Quy Hop to face the goalkeeper, but Anh Van's shot went over the bar.

After this situation, Tan Ky children were the team that took the initiative on the field, the players from Len Roi organized methodical and sharp attacks. In the 4th minute, it was number 7 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen who had a strong shot, the ball hit the post and bounced out regretfully.

With the nature of the final match, both teams played aggressively. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Immediately after that, number 5 Tran Dang Dat of Tan Ky children had 2 consecutive shots, but could not beat the excellent goalie Thai Van Tuan Duy of Quy Hop.

The dramatic moment of the match happened in the 15th minute of the first half, from a free kick, Quy Hop players hit the post, bounced into goalkeeper Pham Vu Doan Long of Tan Ky team, the ball flew into the net, opening the score for the mountain town of Quy Hop.

Quy Hop Children's Football Club unexpectedly opened the scoring after goalkeeper Tan Ky's own goal. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Unexpectedly conceding a goal, the defending champion Tan Ky rose up fiercely, with many efforts, until the last minute of the first half, luck smiled on the Tan Ky children after a beautiful combination, number 10 Tran Van Minh Quan finished delicately, equalizing 1 - 1, bringing the match back to the starting line. This was also the score that ended the first half.

The two teams were tied in the first half. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Entering the second half, Tan Ky children still had the upper hand over Quy Hop children. Number 7 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen and number 5 Tran Dang Dat continuously kicked the ball, causing Quy Hop's goal to shake. However, the solidity of goalkeeper Thai Van Tuan Duy discouraged the Len Roi players.

The atmosphere in the final match was intense. Photo: Thanh Cuong

However, the surprise happened again in the 10th minute of the second half, a similar situation to the opening goal of Quy Hop children, but this time the lucky team was Tan Ky. From the free kick, the ball hit the post of Quy Hop and bounced into goalkeeper Thai Van Tuan Duy, making him unable to react, helplessly watching the ball fly into the net, raising the score to 2 - 1 for Tan Ky.

With the lead, the defending champions' mentality was relieved, they did not huddle together to defend to preserve the score but still maintained a fiery attacking style. In the 15th minute of the second half, number 5 Tran Dang Dat got the ball after a sweet pass from his teammate, neatly finishing to raise the score to 3 - 1 for Tan Ky.

Tan Ky children's team has the upper hand over Quy Hop children's team. Photo: Thanh Cuong

At this moment, with nothing left to lose, the Quy Hop children's players rose up to find an equalizer. However, luck did not smile on the Phu Quy team. In the 19th minute, number 10 Ha Anh Van of the Quy Hop children's team hit the left post, causing the Quy Hop fans to hold their heads in regret.

Tan Ky Children scored the winning goal, making the score 3 - 1. Photo: Thanh Cuong

In the last minute of the match, Quy Hop was awarded a free kick, number 4 captain Le Vu Phong stood in front of the ball, this could be the last chance for the whole team, Vu Phong put all his strength, faith, love and expectation into this shot, the ball went hard, straight to Tan Ky's goal and... hit the post. All the Phu Quy players lay flat on the field holding their heads in regret...

Despite losing in the final match, Quy Hop children still received cheers and applause from many fans. Photo: Thanh Cuong

After this situation, the referee blew the whistle to end the match, Tan Ky children successfully defended their championship with a 3-1 victory in the final match. As for Quy Hop children, tears were shed, however, they played with all their might until the last moment, winning the hearts and admiration of the audience. The defeat in the final match will help them learn useful lessons to become more mature in the following seasons.