Five highlights of Toyota V-League 1-2016 Round 16

Becamex Binh Duong and Hoang Anh Gia Lai quenching their thirst for victory and Hai Phong scoring a nail-biting draw against Saigon FC are among the five most talked about events in the 16th round of the 2016 V-League that concluded last weekend.

1. A glut of goals on Sunday afternoon

In contrast to Saturday’s small number of goals, Sunday witnessed a total of 13 goals scored by six teams, with six of them netted in the clash between Hai Phong and Saigon FC, each scoring three.

2. Binh Duong, Gia Lai quench five-game thirst for victory

Becamex Binh Duong’s ambition to defend the V-League title and Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s bid to escape relegation were questioned as the two teams went five matches without a win. However, in round 16, the home-field advantage fired them to narrow 1-0 victories against top-form Quang Ninh Coal and Hanoi T&T.

3. Hai Phong produce dramatic comeback

Despite being led 0-3 after 45 minutes, Hai Phong fought back to equalise in the second half with three goals by Van Thang, Quoc Trung and Fagan, creating the most impressive comeback in the 16th round of play.

4. Carlos Lima and Uche Iheruome impress

In a round of play with no goals from two frontrunners in the top scorer race, Hoang Vu Samson and Gaston Merlo, fans witnessed the brilliant performance of two other strikers, Carlos Lima and Uche Iheruome. Despite failing to ensure Saigon FC an aggregate win, Lima’s double was still enough to satisfy manager Nguyen Duc Thang. Meanwhile, two goals by Uche fired Khanh Hoa to an away 2-1 victory against Song Lam Nghe An.

5. An alarm for Song Lam Nghe An

Despite going ahead thanks to Salia’s opener, Song Lam Nghe An still could not escape a home-field 1-2 defeat to Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN. After 16 matches, Song Lam Nghe An, one of the V-League powerhouses, are stuck in the latter half of the standings, three places away from last. If no improvements are made in the coming rounds, the worst scenario (being relegated) is quite possible for the team of manager Ngo Quang Truong.

(Source: NDO)