Van Thang secured a point for V.NB right in injury time.

Midfielder Van Thang's brace helped V.NB avoid a humiliating defeat against DTLA right on their home ground.

V.NB had an extremely tough match at home against visiting team DTLA. Photo: Duc Cuong

Goal

V.NB:Van Thang (25', 90'+4)
DTLA:Laerte Junior (12'), Tai Em (45'+4)
Red card:Van Ta (90')

The cold weather at Ninh Binh stadium somewhat affected the team from the South, like DTLA. However, coach Quang Sang and his players understood that they needed to overcome these external challenges to survive in the V-League. And this was evident in DTLA's approach to the game. They pushed their formation forward and played offensively, despite this being V.NB's home ground.

Long An FC's determination soon gave them the advantage. In the 12th minute, from a corner kick taken by Nhat Tan, center-back Laerte Junior rose high and headed the ball powerfully into the net to open the scoring.

Following Junior's goal, Long An FC's coach Quang Sang made tactical adjustments. They deliberately slowed down the pace of the game and opted for a defensive approach. This allowed V.NB to take control of the match and begin creating chances in front of the opponent's goal. In the 25th minute, V.NB celebrated when, from a free kick on the right wing by Van Ta, Van Thang executed a beautiful backward header, making it too difficult for goalkeeper Quoc Cuong to save. The score was leveled at 1-1.

After Van Thang's equalizer, the match became more open and the home team seemed to have the upper hand. It seemed like good news for V.NB. However, right in the final minute of added time in the first half, a cold shower came for the Ninh Binh fans and coach Van Sy's team. Again, from a corner kick, following a header by Laerte Junior, goalkeeper Manh Dung rushed out but missed the ball. This allowed Tai Em, and the captain of DTLA quickly finished into the far corner, giving DTLA a 2-1 lead.

In the second half, V.NB launched an all-out attack, as it was their only way to equalize and secure a victory against the visiting team. In addition, coach Van Sy made some personnel changes, bringing on Danh Ngoc and Nguyen Manh Dung, two players capable of creating breakthroughs, in an attempt to find more flexible and effective attacking solutions.

The changes helped V.NB put pressure on DTLA. However, because they mainly relied on crosses from the flanks, V.NB's attacks were not dangerous for DTLA's focused defense. Furthermore, in many situations, V.NB players appeared impatient with the opportunities they had.

V.NB's efforts were finally rewarded in injury time. From a shot by center-back Phuoc Tu, the ball rebounded and, quick as lightning, Van Thang rushed in to score the equalizer, making him the hero for V.NB. Van Thang's brilliance helped V.NB secure one point against visiting team DTLA at Ninh Binh Stadium.

Besides the match between V.NB and DTLA, the simultaneous match between QNK Quang Nam and HAGL also ended with a victory for the visiting team. The team from Pleiku defeated their opponent with a score of 5-3.

Starting lineup:
V.NB:Manh Dung, Quang Hung, Phuoc Tu, Hoang Vissai, Van Duyet, Sim Woon Sub, Van Thang, Anh Tuan (Danh Ngoc, 63'), Dinh Van Ta, Patiyo, Kavin (Manh Dung, 75').
DTLA:Quoc Cuong, Quang Thanh, Quoc Huan, Laerte Junior, Nhat Tan, Phan Tan Tai, Tai Em (Huynh Tan Tai, 79'), Hoang Lam, Dinh Hung (Phuoc Tho, 89), Gilson Campos, Mrwanda David.

According to Bongdaplus