Binh Duong's winning streak snapped

Becamex Binh Duong had their four-game winning streak end as they lost 1-2 to Quang Ninh Coal in their fifth-round encounter at Go Dau Stadium on January 25.

Quang Hai (in blue) scores twice, pushing Binh Duong to first loss. (Credit: thethao247.vn)

Quang Ninh made a better start to the match, with its attack spearheads Mac Hong Quan and Quang Hai constantly threatening Binh Duong’s goal and forcing the reigning champions to play on the defence during the first 45 minutes.

The first half’s most noticeable attacks were all from the visitors, however, their efforts only paid off after the break.

Quang Hai put Quang Ninh ahead shortly into the second half as he drove the ball to the far corner of the goal, making it impossible for goalie Tan Truong to block, before doubling the advantage just four minutes later.

After the goals, Binh Duong manager Le Thuy Hai sent strikers Anh Duc and Cong Vinh into the field hoping to make a resurgence. These efforts helped pull back a goal for Binh Duong by Tien Thanh on stoppage time but failed to prevent the reigning champions from their first loss since the season beginning.

Dropping three points on home field, Binh Duong lost the standings’ top spot to LG Hai Phong who brilliantly trounced XSKT 4-2 at Lach Tray Stadium on Sunday.

Other fifth-round matches saw Thanh Hoa edging out Hanoi T&T 2-1; QNK Quang Nam beating Dong Nai 3-1; Dong Tam Long An crushing Dong Thap 3-0; Hoang Anh Gia Lai fending off SHB Da Nang 1-0; and Sanna Khanh Hoa tying 2-2 with Song Lam Nghe An.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)