SHB Da Nang secured their third consecutive victory in the first leg of Viet Nam's top-tier V-League 2021 after defeating Hong Linh Ha Tinh (HLHT) 1-0 at Da Nang-based Hoa Xuan Stadium on 13 March. The point helps Da Nang football team climb to the top place in the league table.

SHB DN and HLHT players

Undeniably, Hong Linh Ha Tinh had a better start to the game than the hosts as they continuously created many goal-scoring opportunities.

However, thanks to solid defence and successful saves of goalkeeper Nguyen Tuan Manh, the hosts managed to stop many dangerous attacks by the visitors in the early time of the match.

In particular, SHB’s goalkeeper Manh made an excellent save, getting down to use his left foot to push away HLHT’s shot in the 5^th minute.

After a first half that didn't offer much, the game came alive in the second period.

In addition to their key stars, SHB fielded its freshly-recruited striker Papa Ibou Kebe who used to play for Ha Noi FC. Kebe needed some time to get his rhythm but ended the first half with positive involvement. He started the second half well.

A huge mistake from HLHT’s player in the 48^th minute provided Papa Ibou Kebe who signed contract with the SHB DN Football Club three days ago with the easiest goal of his career.

Both teams struggled to produce anything in the second half but the game ended 1-0.

Despite victory, SHB DN’s coach Le Huynh Duc still expressed dissatisfaction with the disjointed and insensitive performance of his players.

Coach Duc accused his players of complacency after making a perfect start to this year’s season with two convincing wins over Ho Chi Minh City Club and Quang Ninh in January. As a result, the SHB players missed many scoring chances due to inaccurate passing and loose combinations

“The quality of the performances of such star players as Phan Van Long and Dang Anh Tuan has been in clear decline after a 3-week break due to COVID-19” said coach Duc.

Although this should not be of worry, it is necessary for Da Nang football team to resume its strengths with new vitality and new determination, especially great fighting spirit, in a bid to produce their most fluid performances, thereby gaining even more success during this year's league season.

The other match results were:

                                   Thanh Hoa 3-0 Nam Dinh

                                    Hai Phong 0-2 Ha Noi FC

                                  Sai Gon FC 1-0 Song Lam Nghe An

                     Hoang Anh Gia Lai 2-1 Binh Dinh

                                 Quang Ninh 2-0 HCMC

                                          Viettel 3-1 Binh Duong

                                    Hai Phong 0-2 Ha Noi

SHB DN will play home against Song Lam Nghe An at the Hoa Xuan Stadium on 23 March.

By NGUYEN AN - Translated by M.D