Hoàng Anh Gia Lai vs Quảng Nam in the quarter-finals of the National Cup yesterday. Hoàng Anh Gia Lai lost to Quảng Nam 4-5 in the penalty shootout. — Photo doisongvietnam.vn

HÀ NỘI — Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) were beaten in the quarter-finals of the National Cup held at Tam Kỳ Stadium in Quảng Nam Province yesterday.

The mountainous football team lost to the hosts Quảng Nam 4-5 in the penalty shootout following the goalless draw.

South Korean coach Lee Tae-hoon used the cup tie to give opportunities to many fringe players as he named a young starting line-up.

National midfielder Lương Xuân Trường returned home after four months playing for Buriram United in the Thai League. However, South Korean coach Lee Tae-hoon didn’t use him in this game.

HAGL set the pace of the match with the V.League 1 former champions and dominated their rivals from the opening whistle.

HAGL created several dangerous situations in the first half. But they were rushed and they failed to find the net.

After the break, Quảng Nam and HAGL both played with far more caution.

In the 60th minute, national striker Nguyễn Văn Toàn of HAGL was replaced by Chevaughn Walsh. With the presence of Walsh, HAGL attacked stronger and were the more creative but still failed to find the back of the net.

In the penalty shootout, the hosts scored all five, but Lê Văn Sơn of HAGL failed with the final penalty.

In other quarter-finals match at Lạch Tray Stadium in the northern port city of Hải Phòng, the hosts Hải Phòng were defeated by HCM City 3-5 in the penalty shootout after the two sides tied 0-0 in official time.

Today, V.League 1 defending champions Hà Nội FC will visit Nam Định at the Thiên Trường Stadium, while Sài Gòn will take on Becamex Bình Dương at the Thống Nhất Stadium. — VNS