Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Hanoi: Huynh Quoc Anh, Nguyen Anh Duc and Nguyen Trong Hoang were all on target as Vietnam picked up a timely first win of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign after Wednesday’s 3-1 victory at My Dinh Stadium ended Hong Kong’s 2015 finals hopes.
Quoc Anh opened the scoring midway through the first half before Anh Duc doubled Vietnam’s advantage just after the hour mark with the visitors needing to win the final qualifier in Group E to stand any chance of a first AFC Asian Cup appearance since 1968.
And despite Lo Kwan Yee netting with nine minutes remaining for Hong Kong, Trong Hoang sealed the victory for 2007 co-hosts Vietnam two minutes later as Hoang Van Phuc’s side picked up their first points of the campaign.
“I’m happy with our player’s mentality. Even though we lost all five games before, the players still showed their ability in this game,” said Vietnam coach Van Phuc.
“The field was wet, but they still tried to play with good disciplined tactics and everyone wanted to win.
“We deserved to win and I am happy with the score.”
With the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan having already secured the two guaranteed qualification berths available from Group E, Hong Kong needed to follow up last year’s 1-0 home win over Vietnam to keep their slim qualification hopes alive with Syria, Lebanon, Malaysia and either Iraq or China also in contention heading into the final round of fixtures.
But Vietnam opened the scoring after 24 minutes as Quoc Anh was on hand to follow up after a shot from Nguyen Van Quyet had been blocked.
Hong Kong improved in the second half and first Chan Siu Ki shot wide from a good position after 55 minutes before Jaimes McKee was denied by Vietnam goalkeeper Nguyen Manh Dung on the hour mark.
And Vietnam took full advantage by doubling their lead after 68 minutes through Anh Duc.
Hong Kong were able to pull a goal back with nine minutes remaining through a header from Lo, but Vietnam sealed the win just two minutes later as Trong Hoang slotted home with Hong Kong pressing forward for an equaliser.
“Congratulations to Vietnam. They proved that they’re a good team and they deserved to win this game,” said Hong Kong coach Kim Pan-gon.
“Our team faced many difficulties, they tried their best mentality but Vietnam played better.
“Before the game I hoped that my players would play at 100%, but that did not come true. Many of my players were not in a good physical condition and not 100% ready for this game.”