Playing carelessly, SLNA suffered a defeat against Binh Phuoc.

A small number of SLNA fans were present at Binh Phuoc Stadium to cheer on SLNA. Photo: Chung Nguyen

This season,SLNAin addition to setting a target of finishing in the Top 3V.League, the team from Nghe An still harbors ambitions to advance further in the tournament.National Cup2022. However, Coach Huy Hoang's players entered the match with a rather lackluster attitude.

SLNA were unable to create a single truly effective attacking move. Their players seemed lethargic, and their final passing combinations were easily broken down by the opposition. Only after conceding two goals did the players from Nghe An province wake up and play with more effort. However, there wasn't enough time for Huy Hoang's team to turn the tide.

According to the tournament regulations, SLNA was not allowed to field foreign players in this match. However, the team from Nghe An still had a fairly strong lineup with the services of key players such as Que Ngoc Hai, Phan Van Duc, and Xuan Manh… But they all failed to demonstrate their superior class when facing relatively unknown players.

That's why, right from the opening whistle, Binh Phuoc was the team that created the first scoring opportunity. Ngo Hong Phuoc's curling shot from outside the penalty area sent the ball on an arc. Goalkeeper Le Van Hung had to make a difficult save to push the ball out of the net.

After the unexpected situation created by the home team, SLNA gradually regained control of the game. The right flank, where national team player Van Duc was involved, was chosen as the main attacking direction for the visiting team. However, Binh Phuoc also showed considerable confidence when facing the team ranked 3rd in the V.League.

Coach Pham Cong Loc's team organized a very tight defense. This prevented the Nghe An club from creating many opportunities in front of Huynh Van Huyen's goal. The problem that Coach Huy Hoang's team was facing in the early minutes was the lack of concentration from their strikers. Many inaccurate passes from the Nghe An players made the match quite boring.

Due to the ineffective attack and the complacent defense of SLNA, the home team had more clear-cut opportunities. With a bit more luck, the Bình Phước players could have opened the scoring with a counter-attack in the 23rd minute. Văn Hội made a speedy run, breaking SLNA's offside trap and facing goalkeeper Lê Văn Hùng. However, he shot the ball against the post and out.

Binh Phuoc created several chances, including a close-range header by Ngo Hong Phuoc, but fortunately Le Van Hung made an outstanding save and pushed the ball away.

Despite being considered the stronger team, Coach Huy Hoang's side failed to produce a single truly dangerous shot in the first 45 minutes. Conversely, the home team could have scored more than two goals with a bit more luck.

SLNA fielded a quality lineup but couldn't assert a superior level of play compared to their opponents. Photo: Chung Nguyen

In the second half, SLNA played with more determination. Coach Huy Hoang's players had a clear chance in front of Huynh Van Huyen's goal. From Pham Xuan Manh's cross from the right wing, Nguyen Van Bach penetrated the penalty area and took a quick one-touch shot. However, the ball lacked power and therefore could not beat the Binh Phuoc goalkeeper.

Immediately afterwards, from a lightning-fast counter-attack, Ngo Hong Phuoc opened the scoring for Binh Phuoc. Bui Tran Vu made a run down the left wing and crossed the ball, allowing the striker wearing number 67 to easily tap it into the net from close range, beating goalkeeper Le Van Hung.

Not stopping there, less than 3 minutes later, Kien Cuong unleashed another angled shot, leaving the SLNA goalkeeper with no chance to save it. The score was increased to 2-0 for Binh Phuoc in the 57th minute of the match.

After falling behind by two goals, the Nghe An players played more defensively. Several attacking options were attempted. Manh Quynh penetrated the penalty area and unleashed a low shot, but it was parried by goalkeeper Huynh Van Huyen. Fortunately, Ho Phuc Tinh was there in time to score a rebound goal, reducing the deficit for SLNA in the 75th minute.

Towards the end of the match, SLNA tried to put pressure on their opponents, but Binh Phuoc played with great effort. They concentrated a large number of players in their own half to protect the score. Therefore, SLNA was unable to score any more goals and had to accept defeat.