Hà Nội showed their title credentials with a convincing 5 – 0 win over Hoàng Anh Gia Lai at the Hàng Đẫy stadium on Thursday evening. 20,000 fans packed the stands in anticipation for a game billed the battle of the U23’s, with no less than 11 of the match day squad that narrowly lost out to Uzbekistan either in the starting line up or on the bench, with 6 from Hanoi and 5 for the visitors.

With many of the full house backing the ever popular side from the central highlands they were left disappointed by a ruthless attacking performance from Hanoi, spearheaded by the inform Oseni.

The home side could have been ahead as early as 20 minutes when Nguyễn Tăng Tiến handled Ngân Văn Đại effort inside the area, however  Nguyễn Văn Quyết’s weak penalty was easily saved by Lê Văn Trường. Hanoi maintained the pressure and the opening goal came on the half hour as Ngân Văn Đại glanced home a header for his second of the season.

Hanoi celebrate Oseni’s first goal.                                  image: vietfootball.com

HAGL’s Nguyễn Tăng Tiến received a straight red just before the break for a horrendous high challenge on Đỗ Duy Mạnh, which will likely result in a lengthy ban for the defender. The visitors day got worse from the resulting freekick when Lê Văn Trường fumbled Nguyễn Đại Đồng long range effort and Oseni headed home the rebound.

Soon after the break Oseni swept home his 5th goal of the season before Nguyễn Văn Quyết’ got a chance of redemption from the spot, this time sending the keeper the wrong way.

With many of the U23 players not having a pre-season break, Hanoi coach Chu Đình Nghiêm has taken a cautious approach to star player Nguyễn Quang Hải, benching the midfielder for the last two games. His eventual introduction was greeted with huge cheers from both sets of fans and he didn’t disappoint, placing a wonderful low striek in to the corner after just 3 minutes on the field.

The result sends Hanoi top on goal difference and with the strength in depth of this young squad, led by the experience of Thanh Luong, Van Quyet and Moses, they may stay on top for quite some time. HAGL will need to regroup fast, with a tricky cup tie against Quang Ninh just days away.

Marian Mihail has left his post as Thanh Hóa manager after defeat at Sanna Khánh Hòa.  The home side dominated from the off and quickly took the lead through Ng.Hoàng Quốc Chí. Coach Võ Đình Tân will have been pleased with the number of chances his side created, albeit possible not the finishing, as they had to wait until the hour mark for the second; a fine low drive by Toure from 20 yards. Pape Omar Faye gave Thanh Hóa a lifeline from the spot, but Quốc Chí sealed the three points with his second of the game late on.

The end of the road for Marian Mihail

Romanian Coach, Marian Mihail, reign ended after 5 defeats in 10 matches, including a disappointing AFC Cup campaign.

At Thong Nhat stadium a goal a piece from Phan Văn Đức and Quế Ngọc Hải were enough for SLNA to secure their first win of the season with a 2-0 win at TP. Hồ Chí Minh

Sanna Khánh Hòa BVN 3 – 1 FLC Thanh Hóa. 19/8 Nha Trang stadium: 6.000

Hồ Chí Minh 0 – 2 Sông Lam Nghệ An. Thống Nhất stadium: 12.000

Hà Nội 5 – 0 Hoàng Anh Gia Lai. Hàng Đẫy stadium: 20.000