League Play-Off

Dong Hung
Spectators: 36 (Terracing: 28, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) Huỳnh Lien made the kick off and thus started the match. The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Nguyễn Minh-ha during the 4th minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. In a very dangerous position, a player in NMT fell when an opponent tried to get the ball from him in the 3rd minute. Penalty! The referee gave Can Tho a penalty, 5 minutes into the game. The penalty shot was made by Trần Huynh Duc, who made a well placed shot into the net to the right of NMT's Nguyễn Duong. 0-1. Nguyễn Duy struck a weak shot in the 8th minute. Nguyễn Duong didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Can Tho. Nguyễn Mai's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Nguyễn Duong read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 17th minute of play. In the 18th minute Nguyễn Mai shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Nguyễn Duong saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Nguyễn Duong showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Nguyễn Duy, who was totally free with the ball in the 20th minute. After 21 played minutes NMT got a freekick which was hit by Hoàng Viet. 25 minutes into the match, NMT's goal looked a bit too open when Nguyễn Mai came free, but Nguyễn Duong reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Nguyễn Duong stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Nguyễn Duy's shot from short distance in the 27th minute. 29 minutes into the game, Can Tho's Nguyễn Mai nearly tore a hole in the net with a booming shot. Nguyễn Duong made a valiant effort, but he could not reach the ball in time, 0-2. Nguyễn Viet's late challenge caught a NMT's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Nguyễn Viet helped the player get up and apologised. In the 37th minute, Nguyễn Duy hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. The audience was convinced that Huỳnh Lien's extremely hard shot when he got free in front of the goal was going in, but Phạm Tong was relentless in the 39th minute of the game. After 44 minutes Can Tho's defender was forced to head the ball over the line for a corner. It was Nguyễn Minh-ha who took care of the corner kick. The NMT players were disheartened as they walked off the pitch after the first half. Can Tho were winning 0-2.

51 minutes into the game, Trần Duy was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. NMT's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Can Tho the free kick. Trần Duy hit a great freekick 51 minutes into the match. NMT's Nguyễn Duong played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Nguyễn Mai in the 59th minute of play. After 65 played minutes Nguyễn Mai rounded NMT's defense and shot a beautiful shot into goal via left pole - 0-3. 71 minutes into the game, Trần Hoai was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Can Tho's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave NMT the free kick. Trần Hoai hit a great freekick 71 minutes into the match. Huỳnh Lien received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 72nd minute. Phạm Tong tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Nguyễn Dong hit a great freekick 75 minutes into the match. Nguyễn Duy recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 77th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Nguyễn Duy's shot when he came free in front of the goal in the 79thth minute, Nguyễn Duong skillfully showed off with a save to what seemed to be an obvious goal. Nguyễn Mai received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 87th minute. Nguyễn Duong tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. After a defensive mix-up in NMT's zone, Nguyễn Duy stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Nguyễn Duong came out of the goal and Nguyễn Duy tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Nguyễn Duong made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Nguyễn Mai in the 90th minute of play. Nguyễn Duong took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Nguyễn Mai, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. After having played for 94 minutes, Nguyễn Duy managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Can Tho's supporters crossed their fingers, but Nguyễn Duy was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Nguyễn Mai in the 97th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Nguyễn Duong saved NMT from getting behind. Can Tho's players went to the stands to thank the travelling support. The fan's backing had helped spurr the team on to a fine performance that won them the match.