From Boxscore
Vietnam’s Vissai Ninh Binh tops AFC Cup Group G after 1-1 draw with Hong Kong’s South China. Photo from Boxscore.
XM Vissai Ninh Binh confirmed home advantage in the AFC Cup’s Round of 16 after emerging as Group G winners after they shared a 1-1 draw with Hong Kong’s South China in Vietnam.
Sasa Kajkut had given the visitors the lead on 32 minutes but with four minutes of the match remaining defender Pham Van Quy rose highest to head home and level the scores.
Although the result meant Ninh Binh lost their 100% record in the tournament, Van Quy’s vital equaliser gave Nguyen Van Sy’s side the point they needed to win the group with a game to spare. South China, meanwhile, will miss out on the knockout stage after Myanmar’s Yangon United defeated Kelantan of Malaysia 3-2 in the group’s later fixture to secure second place and advance to the Round of 16.
“We have ensured first place in the group with still one more game remaining, so I will be a lot more relaxed in the coming days and be able to focus on the upcoming V.League fixtures,” said coach Van Sy.
“Some of our players did not play well today because their physical condition was not good – just maybe 60 or 70 percent.
“South China played well today and showed good spirit, but fortunately we scored the goal at the end.”
Despite beginning the match at the bottom of the group standings, the visitors showed no fear up against the undefeated leaders and had the first scoring chance as early as the fourth minute, but striker Chan Siu Ki was unable to convert the opportunity.
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