FLYING HIGH: Rimario Gordon of Thanh Hóa FC celebrates after his goal yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Trịnh Duy Hưng

HÀ NỘI — Quảng Nam’s top scorer, Hoàng Vũ Samson, a naturalised citizen originally from Nigeria, scored in the 75th minute, sealing the win in a match on Friday against Sài Gòn 1 at home. Quảng Nam won 3-1.

Quảng Nam FC’s other goals were scored by Đinh Thanh Trung in the 65th and 89th minutes.

Sài Gòn 1 has always ranked higher on the score board, but their luck ran out. Recent line-up changes held them back from playing at full capacity.

In another game, Nam Định FC beat Viettel 2-0 at home.

Nam Định coach Hải Biên made it clear for his men to start strong, not letting Viettel get too close to the net.

The game was fast, with scoring opportunities for both sides, but big names Gustavo and Việt Phong failed to capitalise.

Thousands of spectators did not have to wait too long. Lê Văn Phú scored the first in the 38th minute.

Viettel fought back in the second half, and their attacks were solid. But they needed more luck, when goalie Thế Tài and midfielder Ngọc Hải hesitated over the ball, Xuân Quyết of Nam Định rushed in and scored another for Nam Định, bringing the team to 14th on the scoreboard.

In another match on Friday, top V-League team HCMC won 2-0 against Bình Dương to reaffirm its top spot on the board.

Losing the top ranking over a weaker team Viettel in the last round, HCMC FC were more determined against Bình Dương FC. Ismail Akinade’s goal in the third minute put HCMC firmly ahead.

This early goal changed the strategy of both teams. During the rest of the first half, only two opportunities were made by Bình Dương FC, but no more goals were scored.

The second half went on with Bình Dương taking control of the match. But HCMC pulled themselves together in the 70th minute and upped the pressure on Bình Dương. In the 89th minute, Victor Mansaray fired a shot off and defender Hồ Tuấn Tài of Bình Dương FC, in his attempt to defend his goal, hit the ball into his own net.

V-League No. 3 Thanh Hóa FC won 2-0 over Sông Lam Nghệ An from neighbouring Nghệ An Province.

The club’s international striker Rimario Gordon scored a brace and helped Thanh Hóa FC recover from its previous loss. Playing active from the start, Thanh Hóa tried their best to score first. Trọng Hùng’s shot at in the 8th minute sent the ball directly to SLNA’s goalie Nguyên Mạnh.

SLNA’s strong defence over the years has always made it hard to get the ball into their net. The first half ended goalless.

The second half saw SLNA pressing toward the home team’s half, showing their desire to get three points. But the efforts did not end up in goals.

While SLNA played strong on Thanh Hóa’s turf, the home team had a concerted effort, in which Rimario Gordon scored the opening goal. Just a few minutes later, Rimario repeated his effort to double the win for Thanh Hóa FC.

Today, July 13, V-League continues with games between Đà Nẵng vs. Hải Phòng, Than Quảng Ninh vs. Hòang Anh – Gia Lai, Hà Nội T&T vs. Khánh Hòa. —VNS