QUẢNG NINH — Hà Nội T&T defeated Sanna Khánh Hoà 2-1 to win the the Thanh Niên (Young People) Newspaper National U-21 Football Tournament at Cẩm Phả Stadium yesterday.

It’s the second consecutive year the Hanoian team has won the title.

Khánh Hoà started the final on the back foot against a powerful Hà Nội squad and did well to repel the capital side’s attacks.

Nguyễn Ngọc Linh scored the opener for Khánh Hoà on the break in the 41st minute. Linh met a cross to find the net and stun Hà Nội T&T’s goalkeeper Văn Hoàng.

The goal broke the deadlock and forced the defending champions to push forward.

However, Khánh Hoà defended stoutly to take their lead into half-time.

At the break, Hà Nội coach Phạm Minh Đức urged his side to put more pressure on Khánh Hoà’s defence in the second half.

With good team-work at the 18-yard-box, striker Quang Hải of Hà  Nội fired a spectacular volley to equalise in the 53rd  minute.

Hà Nội rode their momentum to take the lead just seven minutes later.

Phạm Tuấn Hải was in the right place to tap the ball in from a rebound after Khánh Hoà’s goalie parried a shot from Trần Văn Công.

Hà Nội team had another reason to celebrate as Phan Như Tuấn was awarded with the Best Player of the tournament yesterday.   

Hà Nội won a cash prize of VNĐ250 million (about US$11,000) from the organising committee.

After the tournament, the Thanh Niên Newspaper’s U-21 International Football Tournament will be held.

At the Asian Football Confederation U19 Women’s Championship qualifier which started in Hà Nội, India tied with Iran at 1-1 yesterday. — VNS