Hà Nội T&T secure their place among the last 16 of the AFC Cup with a 2-1 victory over Maziya S&R.
Defeat against Selangor two weeks ago, meant the Vietnamese champions traveled to the Maldives needing a victory to secure qualification. After an emphatic 5-1 win against Maziya in the opening game of the tournament, T&T headed in to the match as firm favourites. The Hanoians set out with an attacking line up, featuring Gonzalo, Samson, Văn Quyết and Hector.
It took just 9 minutes for the deadlock to be broken, with Gonzalo confidently dispatching a penalty. Just 12 minutes later, the prolific Văn Quyết grabbed his 6th goal of the campaign, with an excellent finish from just inside the box.
Maziya, searching for their first victory in the cup, pulled a goal back through Ahmed Mohamed, after Gallagher was adjudged to have handled in the box, but T&T held on to seal victory.
With four wins from five, T&T still need at least a point at home in their final group game against Arema to secure top spot in Group F, and the favorable home draw in the next round.
AFC Cup 2014
Maziya S&R 1 v 2 Hà Nội T&T
Mohamed 59′ Gonzalo 9′, Văn Quyết 21′
National Stadium, Male, Maldives att. 105
Vietnam Football 