Olaha scores a hat-trick as SLNA thrashes Dong A Thanh Hoa.

Olaha scored a hat-trick in this match. Photo: Chung Nguyen

Prior to this match, Hong Linh Ha Tinh was temporarily ranked first in the tournament, with 4 points earned after 2 matches. Meanwhile, SLNA had played 1 match and earned 1 point.

Facing Dong A Thanh Hoa, SLNA's starting lineup was missing several key players such as Ojong Mark and Oseni. Therefore, this was a great opportunity for players like Nguyen Van Binh and Nguyen Van Viet to impress the coaching staff.

Despite lacking key foreign players, SLNA started the match with great confidence. Coach Huy Hoang's team had better ball control and completely dominated the game against Thanh Hoa. As usual, striker Olaha knew how to trouble the opposing defense.

Nguyen Van Viet was a very impressive player; he provided the assist for Olaha to open the scoring. Photo: Xuan Thuy

The wide-ranging movement of the Nigerian striker repeatedly drew the opposing team's defenders away. This created great opportunities for the players around him to take shots at Thanh Hoa's goal. With this style of play, Tran Dinh Tien had a dangerous shot that found the back of Tran Buu Ngoc's net.

However, the fans in Nghe An didn't have to wait long, because just 5 minutes later Olaha scored the opening goal for SLNA. The assist came from midfielder Nguyen Van Viet, the number 14 striker, who delivered a well-placed cross from the right wing, allowing striker Olaha to easily tap the ball into the net from close range, beating goalkeeper Buu Ngoc.

By the 32nd minute, the score was 2-0 in favor of SLNA, and it was the Nigerian striker who scored again for the Nghe An team. From a free kick outside the penalty area, Olaha rose high and headed the ball into the ground, giving the Thanh Hoa goalkeeper no chance to save it.

Ho Van Cuong also scored in the first half of the match. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Despite having already scored two goals, Coach Huy Hoang's players maintained their attacking tempo. Their coordinated attacks down the flanks, followed by crosses into the gaps between the opposing defenders and center-backs, proved effective. And before the first half ended, SLNA scored two more goals. Olaha and Ho Van Cuong were the goalscorers for the Nghe An team. With this latest goal, Olaha has now completed a hat-trick in just 45 minutes of the match.

The joy of the SLNA players after scoring a goal against the visiting team. Photo: Chung Nguyen.

In the second half, Thanh Hoa still couldn't improve their play. They remained ineffective and lacked attacking flair. Therefore, SLNA completely dominated the visitors. Even though both Olaha and Phan Van Duc were substituted, the Nghe An club still managed to score two more goals, courtesy of Ho Phuc Tinh and Tran Manh Quynh. The final score was SLNA's 6-0 victory over Dong A Thanh Hoa. With this win, SLNA currently has 4 points after two matches.