After defeat against Hà Nội FC, coach Kiatisak Senamuang is determined to win when the two side meet again. — Photo vovline.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI — After defeat to Hà Nội FC on Sunday, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) coach Kiatisuk Senamuang warned the team from the capital to expect a tougher match when they face again in the second phase of the season.

HAGL’s defeat by two goals to one extended the number of times they have failed to beat the capital team at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium. The last time HAGL won there was in 2012.

Since then, the mountainous football team have only gained two draws, the remaining matches have always resulted in defeat.

“We played well,” the coach said.

“My players complied and implemented the right tactics. But against a strong opponent, the team could not win. HAGL will be waiting for Hà Nội FC when we meet at the Pleiku Stadium.

“Hà Nội had a good preparation and they played at home with passionate cheers of fans. This team own many national players and showed their class. We tried our best to get points, but we failed."

Ignoring the sad statistics at Hàng Đẫy, at home, HAGL have always played much better. Last season, HAGL defeated Hà Nội 1-0 at the Pleiku Stadium in Gia Lai Province with a beautiful long-range goal from midfielder Lương Xuân Trường.

Kiatisuk said his team need to soon forget this defeat to look forward to the important matches ahead, especially when they have a stable line-up.

The match between Hà Nội and HAGL is considered the most interesting match of the national premiere league with both teams in good form.

With this victory, Hà Nội continue to maintain their top position and widened the gap with two competitors chasing behind, Sông Lam Nghệ An and HAGL.

After this important victory, head coach Chun Jae-ho was humble: "We beat HAGL but we still have many matches ahead to play. I emphasise that my players just need to be negligent and the results will go down. Therefore, we need to focus on the upcoming matches.” VNS