Thái Sơn Nam’s players celebrate their title win in the HDBank Nation Futsal tournament after beating Savinest Sanatech Khánh Hoà 5-4 on penalties in the finals on Thursday night. Photo courtesy of HDBank

HCM CITY— Thái Sơn Nam defeated defending champions Savinest Sanatech Khánh Hoà 5-4 on penalties in the finals on Thursday night to win the HDBank National futsal Championship.

In a match played in Đak Lak Province, Khánh Hòa began confidently and controlled the first half, playing deep from their own half.

They made good use of set pieces to score twice through Đình Hùng and Khắc Chí within 10 minutes of the start.

But Thái Sơn Nam fought back with three goals by Anh Duy, Minh Trí and Thịnh Phát.

In the dying minutes of the first half, Văn Quý of Thái Sơn Nam handled the ball in the penalty area and was sent off. Veteran Trọng Luân duly converted from the penalty spot to equalise for Khánh Hòa.

The first half ended 3-3.

Thái Sơn Nam began the second half by attacking relentlessly, but Khánh Hòa defended well and absorbed all the pressure.

There were no more goals, and the teams went into a penalty shoot-out to decide the title winner.

Trọng Luân of Khánh Hòa missed the last kick to hand Thái Sơn Nam the match and title.

The winning team also received a VNĐ200 million (US$8,600) cash prize.

Khổng Đình Hùng of Savinest Sanatech Khánh Hòa was named player of the tournament, Hồ Văn Ý of Thái Sơn Nam was the best goalkeeper and Lưu Đông Dương of Cao Bằng FC was the top scorer. VNS