Phan Văn Đức shines, helping SLNA end their winless streak.

In the absence of striker Peter Samuel, the SLNA coaching staff fielded a significantly altered lineup. Goalkeeper Van Hoang remained in goal. Defenders Xuan Manh, Van Khanh, Igor Jelic, and Dinh Dong were also present. Midfielders Phan Van Duc, Dinh Chau, Xuan Thang, and Nguyen Van Duc made their debuts. Playing furthest forward were young player Nguyen Van Viet and striker Bruno Henrique.

At the start of the match, both teams played cautiously, but SLNA, with the home advantage, still had a slight edge in ball possession. The game only really became lively from the 30th minute onwards. Defender Thanh Thảo of the visiting team slipped and fell, allowing Phan Văn Đức to steal the ball. Two SLNA players and Văn Đức then raced down the wing in a counter-attack, but Văn Đức decided to cut inside and shoot from distance, but it went over the crossbar.

Phan Văn Đức received the award for best goal of January and March. Photo: Đức Anh

The visiting team refused to be outdone and soon responded. In the 33rd minute, Pape Omar delivered a perfect cross from the right wing to Tien Linh, who attempted a powerful header, but fortunately for SLNA, the ball went straight to Van Hoang.

Finally, after the first clear chances, SLNA broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. Striker Bruno made a great pass into the left corner of the Binh Duong penalty area for Van Viet, who weaved past Rabo Ali and calmly crossed the ball when facing Son Hai, creating an opportunity for Phan Van Duc to run in and tap the ball into the empty net.

Starting lineup. Photo: Duc Anh

Trailing by a goal, B. Binh Duong tried to find an equalizer and they had a counter-attack opportunity in the 41st minute from an attack initiated by Pape Omar. However, Tien Linh's left-footed shot from a favorable position was not difficult enough to beat the SLNA goalkeeper.

For the remainder of the match, SLNA lowered their defensive line and maintained their 1-0 lead until the end of the first half.

Phan Văn Đức celebrates his goal. Photo: Đức Anh

In the second half, Binh Duong had two good opportunities to equalize. In the 50th minute, Sy Giap on the left wing broke the offside trap and controlled a long diagonal pass from Du Dat. He entered the penalty area but shot wide of the SLNA goalpost. In the subsequent corner kick, defender Van Khanh's clearance found a Binh Duong player, the ball bounced back towards the SLNA goal but fortunately Van Hoang was alert and made the save.

In the 56th minute, young player Nguyen Van Duc almost made his mark in his V.League debut. He received a pass outside the penalty area, but his powerful long-range shot hit the post and went wide. Striker Bruno Henrique then put the ball into the net from a cross but was ruled offside.

In the 68th minute, Binh Duong were awarded a free kick in the middle of the field, and the SLNA defense cleared the cross. To Van Vu then made a very good pass back into the penalty area for Omar, but Omar slipped when receiving the ball right in front of the goal.

The goal that increased the score was full of emotion. Photo: Duc Anh

With more than half of the second half already played, young player Nguyen Van Duc had to leave the field due to injury, making way for center-back Thai Ba Sang. In the 73rd minute, from a free kick by the visiting team, Xuan Manh pushed Omar down during Binh Duong's free kick, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. However, Tien Linh's shot hit the crossbar and went out. The 1-0 score remained intact for SLNA.

In the 80th minute, SLNA effectively employed their counter-attacking style of play and scored their second goal. From a pass by midfielder Tran Manh Quynh - a young player who had just come on as a substitute - Phan Van Duc received the ball and curled a shot into the far corner, beating the Binh Duong goalkeeper. The goal caused the Vinh stadium to erupt in cheers and the match became even more exciting.

With a bit more luck, the player from Nghe An could have scored a hat-trick. In the 83rd minute, SLNA launched another quick attack, and Phan Van Duc once again received the ball in the midfield, but this time his shot was saved by Son Hai. Immediately, B. Binh Duong responded with counter-attacks. However, luck was still on the home team's side.

For the remainder of the match, SLNA introduced another young player, Tran Manh Quynh. He came on as a substitute for his senior teammate Phan Van Duc and played quite confidently, helping SLNA create more opportunities to extend their lead. Ultimately, the Nghe An team won 2-0, earning 10 points and temporarily escaping the relegation zone.

STARTING LINEUP

SLNA: TM Nguyen Van Hoang, Tran Dinh Dong, Hoang Van Khanh, Pham Xuan Manh, Igor Jelic, Cao Xuan Thang, Phan Van Duc, Bui Dinh Chau, Nguyen Van Viet, Bruno Henrique, Nguyen Van Duc.

Binh DuongTM Nguyen Son Hai, Nguyen Thanh Thao, Nguyen Hung Thien Duc, Rabo Ali, Tran Duy Khanh, Dao Tan Loc, Truong Du Dat, To Van Vu, Pape Omar, Mansaray, Nguyen Tien Linh.