National Cup semis: Quang Ninh Coal and Hanoi T&T take advantages

The first leg of a semi-final round of the National Cup Kienlongbank 2016 took place on July 20, witnessing two visitors Quang Ninh Coal and Hanoi T&T gaining advantages ahead of the second leg to Becamex Binh Duong and QNK Quang Nam, respectively.

Playing guests at Go Dau Stadium of Binh Duong, Quang Ninh Coal had an excellent game and forced the hosts to the share point.

Both entered the clash with great determination as they considered the National Cup a final hope for a medal in this season after missing out on a V-League title.

Becamex Binh Duong (red) and Quang Ninh Coal (blue) tie 1-1 in their clash under the National Cup semi-finals at Go Dau Stadium in Binh Duong province on July 20. (Credit: bongdanet.vn)

With the critical nature of the first leg, the two teams played relatively slowly. The first half lasted almost without any real significant highlights. The atmosphere in Go Dau only turned exciting in the last minutes of the first half with continuous attacks from Binh Duong.

Foreign striker Nsi had two chances to face goalie Tuan Linh of Quang Ninh in the 33rd and 34th minutes, but he was unable to make any goals. A few minutes later, Ivan Firer missed a golden chance to open the scoring as his finish hit the opponent's crossbar. The 1st half ended with a goalless score.

However, the stalemate was finally broke not long after the break. In the 59th minute, Ivan Firer made a wise dribble in the penalty area, making Quang Ninh’s Tuan Tu foul. Referee Phung Dinh Dung immediately pointed to the penalty spot and from a distance of 11m, Anh Duc made the opener.

However, it took the guests only 15 minutes to level the scoring. From Quang Ninh’s corner kick on the left side, keeper Tan Truong picked the wrong spot, making the ball come to Dyachenko. At a distance of less than 8m, the Quang Ninh striker easily slotted the ball into the goal, putting the match back in the balance.

In the remaining minutes, both teams had chances, but no additional goals were scored. In the end, the two teams left the field with a 1-1 tie, helping Quang Ninh gain an advantage by scoring an away goal prior to the second leg.

In the remaining semi-final, hosts QNK Quang Nam took the lead to Hanoi T&T in the majority of the playing time, but they did not retain the advantage as the visitors came from behind to beat the home team with a 3-2 score at Tam Ky Stadium.

The two visitors earned a huge advantage in the second leg as they will play hosts at Cam Pha and Hang Day Stadiums next August 3.

(Source: NDO)