HÀ NỘI — Thái Sơn Nam claimed yesterday won the second National Futsal Cup, held in HCM City.

The team dethroned reigning champions Hải Phương Nam Phú Nhuận 2-1 in a penalty shoot-out in the final match at the Rạch Miễu Gymnasium.

Despite being title favourites, Hải Phương Nam Phú Nhuận played defensively as they were well aware of their rivals’ strength.  Thái Sơn Nam has contributed many players to the national team which competed in the recent World Cup in Colombia.

Thái Sơn Nam also played rather cautiously as it was the final match.

The game took a turn in the 19th minute when Phạm Đức Hòa hit a slow shot from a narrow angle into Thái Sơn Nam’s goal.

Hải Phương Nam Phú Nhuận piled up some more pressure in the second half, eventually succeeding in the 38th minute through Thanh Tuấn who was perfectly placed to send Thanh Phú’s right wing pass into the net.

Score remained 1-1 till the end of the official time, forcing both sides into a penalty shoot-out which saw Thái Sơn Nam winning 2-1.

It was their second title of the year after their victory in the national championship in March.

In the third-place play-off match earlier, Sanna Khánh Hòa defeated Cao Bằng 7-1 to take the bronze medal.

Organisers presented the fair-play award to Sài Gòn FC. Trần Văn Thanh of Sanna Khánh Hòa was adjudged the best scorer with four goals. Cao Bằng’s Trần Bửu Phước was chosen as the best goalkeeper while Trần Văn Vũ of Thái Sơn Nam was feted as the best player. — VNS