HCM City striker Nguyễn Công Phượng (right) vies for a ball against Yangon's midfielder Shori Murata during their AFC Cup Group F match. Photo the-afc.com

Football

HÀ NỘI  Nguyễn Công Phượng scored came to the rescue for HCM City FC against Yangon United FC in their first match in the Asian Football Confederation Cup’s Group F yesterday in Yangon, Myanmar.

It was Phượng’s first goal after 368 days to level the match at 2-2.

HCM City quickly converted their early dominance in the 11th minute when Amido Balde headed in teammate Ngô Quang Tùng’s cross from the right wing.

But just four minutes later, Yangon, who were ASEAN zonal semi-finalists in 2018 edition, bounced back.

Emmanuel Uzochukwu jumped highest and headed home from a corner kick swung in by Maung Maung Lwin.

Lwin then found the net with a beautiful shot from nearly 20m to push Yangon into the lead.

Minutes before the interval, Phạm Công Hiển’s lob reached Phượng in the box and the player who was listed as AFC Cup’s eight young players to watch this season headed home from close-range.

In the other match in Group F, Lao Toyota FC lost 1-3 to Hougang United FC at the National Stadium in Vientiane.

HCM City, who are in second place, will travel to Singapore for leaders Hougang United FC on February 25. At the same time, Yangon will host Lao Toyota.

In Group G action, Quảng Ninh were ready for their continental tournament’s comeback but it was not their day yesterday, losing 1-4 to Bali United of Indonesia.

Bali, the Indonesian champions, had their substitutes to thank after the break, with a goal just one minute into the second half from Muhammad Rahmat.

It was 2-1 for the hosts just five minutes later when Melvin Platje volleyed home from a Paulo Sergio long pass.

They netted two more goals in the 73rd and 77th minutes from Ilija Spasojevic and Platje.

In other match, Ceres Negros of the Philippines beat Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng of Cambodia 4-0 to take top spot. VNS