HÀ NỘI — Sanatech-Sanest Khánh Hoà trounced Cao Bằng 4-1 in the second-round match of the National Futsal Championship in Đà Nẵng on Tuesday.

Cao Bằng were confident ahead of the game as they had defeated Sanatech-Sanest Khánh Hoà 2-0 and drew 1-1 last season.

But they could not score a goal in the first half, despite keeping a rapid pace throughout the match.

The turning point came in early in the second half when Cao Bằng’s Mạnh Dũng missed a ball in his attempt to block it out. The ball came to Nguyễn Phúc who just needed a simple finish to open the score for Khánh Hoà.

After the goal, the outcome of the match deteriorated for Cao Bằng.

Khánh Hoà increased the gap with a double goal by Khổng Đình Hùng a few minutes later.

Cao Bằng scored a goal with power-play but suffered another goal by Khánh Hoà near the end of the match.

Coach Hector of Cao Bằng said it was a balanced game until the opener. Despite a loss, he was pleased with his team who made a strong effort. What they need is to sharpen their scoring skills and increase their ball procession, Hector said.

Head of Khánh Hoà’s management board Trần Duy Hiếu said: “It is an encouraging win for Khánh Hoà before the most important match of the first leg against defending champions Thái Sơn Nam on Friday. Both the sides have an equally strong chance to win this match. But just a small mistake will lead to a loss. My players have been asked to concentrate in every second of the match,” he said.

The win lifted Khánh Hoà to the top, having the same three points as five other teams but with a better goal difference.

Cao Bằng were at No 8 among 10 teams. They will meet Kim Toàn Đà Nẵng next.

In another match on Tuesday, Sanna Khánh Hoà beat Hoàng Thư Đà Nẵng 5-3 and took the second place in the ranking.

They will next play Sài Gòn on Friday. — VNS