Hanoi FC miss maiden AFC Cup final after goalless draw against 4.25 SC

ABO/NDO – Reigning V.League champions Hanoi FC missed out on a place in the 2019 AFC Cup final after being held to a goalless away draw by DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC in the second leg of the inter-zone play-off final on October 2.

Hanoi FC midfielder Pham Duc Huy (C) in action with a 4.25 SC player during their match at Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang on October 2. (Photo: DPR Korea Football Association)

With the two teams having played out a 2-2 tie in the first leg a week ago, it was the Korean side who made it through to the title match thanks to the away-goal rule.

Hanoi FC headed into the clash at Pyongyang’s Kim Il-sung Stadium with a fierce determination knowing that they would need a win or achieve at least a 3-3 draw in order to qualify for their first AFC Cup final in history.

However, inspired by a formidable home record and two away goals in the bag, 4.25 SC started the game confidently and threatened to score several times with two attempts going over the crossbar, including a free-kick in the 22nd minute and a close-range header 15 minutes later.

The hosts’ constant pressure made it difficult for Hanoi FC to deploy any penetrating attacks. Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side had a chance to open the scoring shortly before half-time, but Quang Hai’s free-kick was unexpectedly stopped by the 4.25 SC keeper.

The second half saw Hanoi FC push hard for an opener; however, Van Quyet and Pape Omar could not capitalise on their opportunities to get on the scoresheet.

The 0-0 draw remained unchanged until the final whistle, which sent the DPR Korea side through to the 2019 AFC Cup final thanks to the away-goal rule.

Despite failing to secure a historic place in the title match, Hanoi FC still made domestic fans proud by advancing so far in the AFC Cup arena.

(Source: NDO)