SLNA's unbeaten streak ends after losing to Ho Chi Minh City FC.
(Baonghean.vn) - After conceding two goals in the first half, SLNA fought back and created an opportunity to earn points against Ho Chi Minh City with a goal from Khac Ngoc. However, coach Duc Thang's team left Thong Nhat Stadium empty-handed.
Nghe An fans covered Thong Nhat Stadium in yellow to 'ignite' the spirit for SLNA.
(Baonghean.vn) - Thousands of SLNA fans were present at Thong Nhat Stadium to cheer on Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's team. The presence of the visiting team's supporters made the match very lively.
In the 11th minute, the home team was awarded a free kick, creating TP HCM's first dangerous opportunity with a long-range shot, but the post saved Nguyên Mạnh.
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| SLNA fans covered a corner of the Thong Nhat Stadium stands in yellow with the number 40 – commemorating the 40th anniversary of SLNA Club. Photo: Nguyet Ha. |
Under pressure from Ho Chi Minh City's attacks, SLNA began committing more fouls to limit dangerous scoring opportunities. Finally, after four clean sheets, goalkeeper Nguyen Manh had to pick the ball out of the net.
In the 20th minute, center-back Ewonde rose high to head the ball into the net from Cong Hien's cross inside the penalty area, opening the scoring. In this situation, the SLNA central defenders were not in a good position to clear the danger.
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| SLNA had a tough match at Thong Nhat Stadium. Photo: Huu Thanh |
After conceding a goal, SLNA continued to press forward but without success. Furthermore, a mistake by Dinh Dong in the 26th minute resulted in a penalty for the home team when the ball touched his hand. Facing Nguyen Manh, Joel Vinicius scored his sixth goal of the season with a successful penalty kick.
With difficulties piling up, SLNA found it even harder to get close to the opponent's penalty area, but neither Olaha's nor Xuan Manh's shots posed any real threat. The first half ended with a 2-0 lead for TP HCM.
In the second half, SLNA unexpectedly pushed their formation higher. In the 54th minute, a well-executed attack by SLNA resulted in Khắc Ngọc's perfect shot, beating goalkeeper Thanh Diệp and reducing the score to 1-2.
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| The SLNA players' brief joy after narrowing the score. Photo: Huu Thanh |
After scoring, SLNA's attack continuously increased the pressure, with Van Binh and Quang Tinh being brought onto the field. Meanwhile, TP HCM strengthened their midfield by substituting Quang Nam with Hoang Thinh.
The match was dramatic in the final minutes, with both teams exchanging attacks, but no further goals were scored. The most notable chance for SLNA was Xuan Manh's powerful long-range shot that hit the junction of the crossbar and the post.
In the end, SLNA lost 1-2, ending their unbeaten streak against TP HCM. This result allows TP HCM to maintain their lead at the top of the table with 26 points, while SLNA dropped to fifth place with 17 points.
STARTING LINEUP
Ho Chi Minh City:Thanh Diep, Cong Hien, Cong Thanh, Ewonde, Joel Vinicius, Quang Nam, Minh Trung, Huu Tuan, Van Thuan, Thanh Binh, Tung Quoc
SLNA:Xuan Manh starts, Van Duc hasn't returned yet - 2 Nguyen Manh, Damir, Van Khanh, Dinh Hoang, Olaha, Ngoc Toan, Tuan Tai, Xuan Manh, Khac Ngoc, Dinh Dong, Xuan Thang
Song Lam Nghe An avoids falling into a trap at Thong Nhat Stadium.
(Baonghean.vn) - Immediately after failing to score against bottom-placed S. Khanh Hoa, SLNA will travel to Thong Nhat Stadium to face Ho Chi Minh City, the current V.League 2019 leaders. This has caused considerable anxiety and unease among many Nghe An fans.
