Nghe AnSLNA led 4-2 but let Quang Nam rise to equalize with the 4-4 goal scored by midfielder Eze Stephen in the 90th minute of the earliest match in round 4 of V-League 2023-2024.
SLNA players' disappointment when Quang Nam equalized 4-4 in the match at Vinh Stadium on December 2. Image: Lam Thou
The rainy and cold weather left the Vinh stadium's stands empty and cold with only a few dozen fans in area B. The players played in slippery field conditions and were covered in mud. However, with the desire to find their first victory, the two teams played an exciting match, with a breathtaking score chase.
After suddenly allowing the away team to open the score, SLNA rallied to lead 4-2, and seemed to have their first win in the 2023-2024 V-League. But coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team dropped the victory in an unbelievable way when they let their opponents equalize two goals in a row. The match was still hot with controversial decisions by the referee about not recognizing the goal or not blowing a penalty.
Eze Stephen was the focus of the match. This midfielder was not so great in defense, when Quang Nam allowed SLNA to score four goals, but proved to be very effective when participating in attacks. He was also the one who opened the score in the 6th minute with a high rise, chose the exact spot, and scored a header in the XNUMXth minute.
SLNA put the ball into Quang Nam's net just 10 minutes after the goal. From Manh Quynh's escape down the right wing and a convenient cross, Success cushioned the ball from close range into the away team's net. However, the referee did not recognize the goal because he thought that SLNA's foreign soldier was in an offside position. The home player reacted, but could not change the referee's decision. This match also did not apply VAR technology, for the referee team to consult.
In the 22nd minute, Samson almost doubled the gap for Quang Nam with a shot in a face-to-face position, but was saved by goalkeeper Van Viet. And less than 20 seconds after that miss, the away team had to pay the price. SLNA organized a quick attack, Olaha broke the ball past two Quang Nam defenders, then shot left to equalize the score 1-1. Olaha only needed four more minutes to score the double. He put the home team up 2-1 in the 26th minute when he easily cushioned the ball from close range after Sy Hoang's cross.
The end of the first half was dramatic. In extra minutes, Success was pulled down by Stephen in the penalty area, but referee Khong Tam Cuong did not blow the penalty. In the counterattack situation immediately afterward, Quang Nam received a corner kick. Samson threw his body to hook the ball, was pulled behind by his opponent and the referee blew a penalty kick. Dinh Bac successfully scored to equalize the score 11-2.
Olaha scored a hat-trick but SLNA only got one point when hosting Quang Nam in round 4 of V-League 2023-2024. Image: Lam Thou
Undeterred when returning to the field, SLNA exploded, scoring two goals in a row. Olaha completed the hat-trick with a dangerous finish after Stephen's foul header in the 47th minute. Four minutes later, Sy Hoang scored a super goal with a curling shot right near the 16m50 line, burying the Quang Nam goalkeeper. standing and looking.
SLNA was very close to victory with a two-goal lead. However, they collapsed unbelievably. In the 60th minute, midfielder Zebic could not follow Yago Goncalves, let his opponent press his face and then fired a left shot to shorten the score to 3-4. After this defeat, SLNA tried to slow down the pace of the match, even using tricks to buy time. Coach Van Sy Son and Quang Nam players repeatedly reminded referee Khong Tam Cuong to calculate extra compensation time. SLNA retreated to their defense at the end of the match but could not keep the victory when they let Stephen equalize in the last minute of official play.
The 4-4 result left SLNA still without a win in the 2023-2024 V-League, ranked 10th with three points after four matches. Quang Nam ranked penultimate with two points.
Lam Thou
