Saigon FC kindle hope for V.League 2018 survival

ABO/NDO - Saigon FC temporarily escaped from bottom place in the V.League 2018 after a 3-1 victory over hosts Can Tho on the evening of July 20.

Saigon FC (in pink) beat XSKT Can Tho in a crunch match in the race to escape relegation. (Photo: bongdaplus.vn).

The earliest game of Round 20 was a decisive match for both teams who are on the verge of relegation. For that reason, both entered the clash with caution, waiting to exploit the other team’s mistakes.

After a scoreless first half, the hosts made a mistake and immediately paid the price. In the 58th minute, in an effort to clear the ball, Can Tho midfielder, Hoang Vissai, misplaced a pass to Saigon’s Huu Son. Immediately, the midfielder crossed to Quoc Phuong who headed in the opener for the visitors.

The first goal kicked the game up a gear as Can Tho had to attack in search of an equaliser. However, sloppiness in defense once again cost them and they conceded a second goal in the 74th minute. Hoang Vissai made another mistake, with the referee pointing to the spot after he brought down Ngoc Duy in the box. Ngoc Duy put the resulting penalty past Can Tho’s goalkeeper to give his team a 2-0 lead.

Just four minutes later, the score was 3-0 for the guests as a free kick by Quoc Phuong was deflected by the Can Tho wall and flew into the net beyond keeper Vinh Loi.

Can Tho’s efforts to attack only paid off in the 82nd minute when Quang Tinh chipped the ball to Wander Luiz to head in a consolation goal. 3-1 was the final score of the match at Can Tho Stadium.

The golden victory lifted Saigon FC to 19 points after 20 rounds, allowing them to temporarily escape from the relegation area and climb to 11th place, while Can Tho were bottom after the loss with 17 points.

The 2018 V.League Round 20 will continue with six clashes this weekend.

(Source: NDO)