FLC Thanh Hoa book place in National Cup final

ABO/NDO – FLC Thanh Hoa claimed the first place in the final match of the 2018 Vietnamese National Cup after demolishing Song Lam Nghe An 4-0 in the semifinal second leg on September 5, to seal a 6-3 victory on aggregate.

Rimario Gordon Allando (in blue) contributes a goal to Thanh Hoa's 4-0 triumph over Song Lam Nghe An.

The Nghe An team won 3-2 away in the first leg, but could not turn their advantage into an overall triumph while hosting Thanh Hoa at Vinh stadium on Wednesday.

On a highly inspiring afternoon, the guests did more than the two-goal surplus that was a must if they were to fire themselves into the title match in October.

Thanh Hoa manager Nguyen Duc Thang fielded his strongest lineup right from the beginning, which clearly demonstrated their determination to make reigning title holders Song Lam Nghe An become the former champions of the tournament.

Minh Tung put the away side in front after only ten minutes, slotting in from close range after Dinh Tung’s corner kick.

The early opener allowed Thanh Hoa to play more confidently, however, they failed to widen the score during the remainder of the first half owing to the stubborn resistance from Nghe An’s defensive line.

After the break, the guests intensified their attacks seeking additional goals. Their efforts paid-off in the 65th minute as Omar headed home a corner kick to double Thanh Hoa’s advantage.

With time running out, Nghe An’s defensive mistakes allowed Nguyen Duc Thang’s side to increase their goal tally to four thanks to Nguyen Trong Hoang (68’) and Rimario Gordon Allando (84’).

After the two legs of the semifinals, FLC Thanh Hoa won 6-3 overall and enrolled themselves in the final match. Meanwhile, Song Lam Nghe An officially became the former champions of the National Cup arena.

(Source: NDO)