SHB Da Nang have now dropped into 10^th place in the V League after a disappointing 2-1 away loss to Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) in the Pleiku Stadium yesterday.

SHB’s striker Do Merlo (in orange)

Despite being without any foreign players, HAGL started the match very well, but they did not create many clear-cut chances. In particular, HAGL’s striker Minh Vuong missed some scoring chances in the 12^th and 14^th minutes due to inaccurate shots.

In attempting to put much pressure on the hosts, SHB’s coach Le Huynh Duc changed his team's counter-attacking formation with a focus on building a strong attacking line.

In the 50^th minute, striker Do Merlo's direct shot at goal opened the scoring for the visitors.

However, their joy was short-lived 4 minutes later as a shot from HAGL's striker Minh Vuong levelled the score.

The goal made the home team feel more excited, and they then controlled the game during the remaining time. Their great efforts were paid off as Chau Ngoc Quang raised the score 2-1 to HAGL.

Despite SHB players’ great efforts, the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.

The other match results were:

                               Quang Nam 4-2 Sanna Khanh Hoa

                                  Hai Phong 2-1 Viettel

                               Quang Ninh 0-1 Becamex Binh Duong

                                     Sai Gon 2-0 Thanh Hoa

                  Song Lam Nghe An 1-2 Ho Chi Minh City

After the first 22 rounds, Ha Noi currently top the league with 43 points, ahead of Ho Chi Minh City by 2 points. Thanh Hoa and Sanna Khanh Hoa are the bottom 2, with 25 and 20 points respectively.

SHB Da Nang will play at Quang Nam Province at 5.00pm on Saturday, 14 September.