HÀ NỘI — Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) has ended its string of losses, defeating Sài Gòn 3-2 in the 15th round match of V-League 1.

The game was held at Pleiku Stadium in Gia Lai Province yesterday.

After three losses in a row, HAGL longed for a win on their home soil. However, it was Sài Gòn’s midfielder Lê Quốc Phương who scored the opener of the match in the third minute.

HAGL still proved that they had the upper hand. The star of the host team, forward Nguyễn Công Phượng, secured many opportunities for his team. In the 10th minute, as he controlled the ball approaching the opponent’s net zone, Sài Gòn’s midfielder Văn Ngọ was forced to commit a foul, which offered a penalty to the host. Phượng did not miss the chance to score an equaliser.

Phượng’s score relieved the host’s anxiety, giving them more confidence to control the game. Sài Gòn’s net was constantly threatened by the attacks of HAGL.

At the 41st minute, HAGL’s midfielder Trần Minh Vương made a difficult header, scoring the second goal for the host.

Sài Gòn had to switch their strategy from defending in the first half to attacking in the second half. They unfortunately missed a few opportunities to score their second goal.

Despite all the visitor’s efforts, they took their third loss when HAGL’s forward Văn Toàn scored the third goal for the host in a free kick situation.

In the 85th minute, Sài Gòn’s foreign forward Da Sylva scored the team’s second goal shortening the goal gap, however, 2-3 was also the final result of the match.

By defeating Sài Gòn FC, HAGL has earned 20 points, taking the seventh position in the V-League table while Sài Gòn remains at the bottom, in 12th position out of 14.

Elsewhere, FLC Thanh Hóa defeated Becamex Bình Dương 3-1, earning three points to move to the top five of the V-League 2018 table. Meanwhile, the match between Quảng Nam FC and Hải Phòng ended in a 1-1 draw and Than Quảng Ninh was defeated by Sanna Khánh Hòa 1-2 on their home pitch. — VNS