National Cup 2023 - 2024: V-League representative affirms strength

At Vinh Stadium, SLNA fielded a very young team, yet completely dominated Dong Thap FC. Coach Phan Nhu Thuat's players launched relentless attacks and quickly scored five goals against their opponents within the first 45 minutes. Young stars Dinh Xuan Tien and Tran Manh Quynh each scored a brace, plus an own goal by Dong Thap's central defender Pham Hoang Lam, giving SLNA a swift 5-0 lead.

Đại diện V-League khẳng định sức mạnh - Ảnh 1. — Ha Tinh Club *(right)* defeated Khanh Hoa in a penalty shootout.

In the second half, SLNA slowed down the pace of the game, while Dong Thap FC also tried to fight back and score a consolation goal. The efforts of the First Division representative resulted in two goals, while SLNA added another goal through Nguyen Quang Vinh to win the match 6-2. This is also the highest-scoring match so far in the 2023-2024 National Cup.

At the Binh Phuoc FC stadium, visiting team Nam Dinh dominated the game. Coach Vu Hong Viet's team showed respect for their opponent by fielding a strong lineup, including Pham Duc Huy, Nguyen Van Vi, To Van Vu, Mai Xuan Quyet, Ly Cong Hoang Anh, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy, and Nguyen Huu Tuan. Despite Binh Phuoc's valiant defense, Nam Dinh FC still managed to score four goals thanks to their highly effective attack. Tran Van Dat broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 38th minute, thwarting Binh Phuoc FC's cautious approach. In the second half, Nam Dinh added three more goals, including a strike that ended a year-long goal drought for the club by striker Nguyen Van Toan, securing a 4-0 victory.

The most exciting match last night was the clash between Khanh Hoa FC and Ha Tinh FC at the August 19th Stadium. The two V-League representatives created an exciting goal-scoring race with four goals shared equally between the two sides. Guirassy Mamadou scored a brace for the home team Khanh Hoa, but Stephen Michael Gopey was equally impressive, scoring two goals for Ha Tinh FC. Gopey's last-minute equalizer for Ha Tinh FC was crucial, allowing the visitors to take the match to a penalty shootout. There, Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team showed more composure, winning 4-3 to advance to the next round.

With 35 goals scored in 8 matches, an average of 4.37 goals per game, the National Cup qualifying rounds showcased the dedication and openness of the competition, contrasting sharply with the more defensive approach seen in the early rounds of the V-League or First Division. This also provided a compelling platform for young talents, especially those yet to establish themselves in the V-League. Thus, the 2023-2024 National Cup has found its winners: Da Nang, Hanoi Police, SLNA, Nam Dinh, Ha Tinh, Quang Nam, Dong Nai, and Long An. The final team to qualify will be determined after the match between Ho Chi Minh City FC and Binh Duong FC on the evening of November 28th.

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