Newcomers Viettel lost to SHB Da Nang 3-1 in the first round of the V.League 1 yesterday.

Viettel vs SHB Da Nang in the first round of the V.League 1 yesterday.

Viettel, who won the National First Division and were promoted to the national premier league last year, appeared unconfident against two-time champions Da Nang.

Viettel signed a number of strong players in the transfer period, including midfielder Que Ngoc Hai, who captained the national U23 team at the AFF Suzuki Cup, Vu Minh Tuan and Nguyen Trong Hoang, alongside foreign players Kayo Dias and Joao Paulo. However, their performance was still lacking in experience maturity.

Just 16 minutes in, Victor Nirennold had the home fans at the Hoa Xuan Stadium in Da Nang rocking after scoring the opener.

Captain Hai of Viettel was then sent off for a second yellow card for foul in the area on Do Merlo. Captain Merlo easily beat goalie Quang The Tai to raise the score to 2-0, and he added a third before half time.

Viettel came out stronger in the second half, and they were able to snatch a consolation goal through Paulo in the closing minutes.

In the other games yesterday, Nam Dinh beat Sai Gon 3-1, HCM City won Hai Phong 1-0.

On Saturday, defending champions Ha Noi FC crushed Quang Ninh Coal 5-0 at the Hang Day Stadium in Ha Noi.

Despite playing away, Quang Ninh looked dangerous in the opening minutes, forcing goalie Nguyen Van Cong into action.

The hosts then regained control and dominated the game. Receiving a pass from Hoang Vu Samson, new recruit Pape Omar Faye beat goalie Huynh Tuan Linh to score the opener for Ha Noi in the 30th minute.

Only 10 minutes later, following nice link-up play between midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai and Samson, striker Nguyen Van Quyet doubled the score for the hosts.

After the break, Ha Noi continued to prove their prowess.

Midfielder Pham Thanh Luong played Do Hung Dung in to score the third goal for Ha Noi in the 77th minute.

Quang Ninh’s Nguyen Van Viet added to his team’s misery by giving away a penalty which Samson duly dispatched to make it 4-0.

Ganiyu Bolayi Oseni completed the wrought to make it five with a cool header.

At the Nha Trang Stadium, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) beat Khanh Hoa 4-1.

Lam Ti Phong, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy and Chevaughn Walsh scored goals for HAGL, with Walsh bagging two. Khanh Hoa scored their consolation in injury time thanks to Pham Trum Tinh.

Despite failing to get on the scoresheet, striker Nguyen Van Toan was named man of the match having played a vital part in his team’s goals.

The match saw midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh of HAGL return to compete after a long time out with injury.

Captain Anh was treated in South Korea following an injury in March last year against Hai Phong in V.League 1. He is considered one of the most technically gifted midfielders Vietnamese football has ever seen. He won the 2014 young player of the year award. He made his V.League 1 debut in 2015 and was voted the team’s best player at the end of the season.

“The opening match is always difficult so HAGL were determined to win. I am very proud of my teammates. We trained hard and put in a lot of effort,” said Anh.

In the other match, Song Lam Nghe An beat former champions Quang Nam 2-0.

“We tried our best but SLNA deserved the win,” said coach Hoang Van Phuc of Quang Nam.

“We are very happy with our first win in the league. We want to thank the fans at the Vinh Stadium for supporting us. After recovering from injury, goalie Tran Nguyen Manh performed very well,” said coach Nguyen Duc Thang of SLNA.

“This win will be the driving force for us to play with more confidence. I hope SLNA will attract more sponsors to build a strong team. We will compete with all our hearts to gain the best results,” Thang added.

(Source: VNS/ DA NANG Today)