HÀ NỘI — Thái Sơn Bắc triumphed in the HCM City Futsal Open after defeating reigning champions Thái Sơn Nam during the penalty shootout on Sunday.

Hoàng Tuấn Vũ’s corner kick confused goalkeeper Ngô Đình Thuận, who let the ball go in the net, 1-0 for Thái Sơn Bắc, just three minutes into the game. Trần Long Vũ equalised for Thái Sơn Nam at the 21st minute.

Thất Phi pushed Thái Sơn Bắc ahead with a straight shot just two minutes later, before Thái Huy set up the draw result after his narrow angle finish.

A draw result pushed two sides into the penalties where goalkeeper Nguyễn Văn Huy of Thái Sơn Bắc showed off his talent, blocking two shots by Saul Campana and Artur Yusunov, after captain Nguyễn Bảo Quân of Thái Sơn Nam missed his kick.

The final match ended with a 1-0 win for Thái Sơn Bắc.

“We are in a heavy training period in preparation for the ASEAN tournament next month in Myanmar. Our two foreigners have not integrated with the whole team yet, while their teammates were under pressure. It is understandable for a loss of Thái Sơn Nam,” said Trần Anh Tú, boss of Thái Sơn Nam.

“I cannot believe why Thái Sơn Bắc plays so well. Despite our advantage with two foreigners, they were more confident and outstanding today. They are worthy of a victory,” he added.

In the third-placed play-off, Hải Phương Nam Phú Nhuận beat Cao Bằng 7-2 to win the bronze medal.

Huy was named best goalie; Nguyễn Văn Trung of Hải Phương Nam Phú Nhuận was best striker, while Campana of Thái Sơn Nam, most valuable player. — VNS