V.League 2 round 20: Khanh Hoa FC held 2-2 at home ground

Although being ahead twice, Khanh Hoa FC couldn’t keep the score to the end and were finally held 2-2 by Hue at 19-8 Nha Trang Stadium in round 20 of V.League 2. With this result, Khanh Hoa FC lost the first position to People’s Police, making the race for the promotion more intense.

 

The hosts Khanh Hoa FC received Hue on October 16. Dinh Kha headed Khanh Hoa FC into the lead in the first half. The hosts still kept good rhythm after the break.  However, they had to pay the price for defensive compactness. Tran Van Bun scored to level 1-1 for Hue. After conceding the goal, Khanh Hoa FC upped their tempo and retook the lead again thanks to the goal of Thanh Binh in the 81st minute. The hosts looked set to get three points from the match to remain stable at the top position; however, the mistake of the defense line once again caused them to pay. Huynh The Hieu found the second goal for Hue and held Khanh Hoa to a 2-2 draw.

 

 

 

The draw at home ground dragged Khanh Hoa FC to second position. People’s Police moved back to the top after they beat Quang Nam 2-0. Meanwhile, round 19 second-placed Phu Tho conceded a surprise 1-2 loss to Long An. Currently, after round 20, People’s Police are at top with 37 points (20 matches); Khanh Hoa FC sit second with 37 points (19 matches); Pho Hien place at third on 35 points (20 matches); Quang Nam occupied fourth place with 33 points (19 matches).

 

Khanh Hoa still have their fate in their hands as they still have 3 matches ahead, including the make-up match with Quang Nam. Meanwhile, People’s Police and Pho Hien only have 2 matches to play. In round 21, People’s Police and Pho Hien will face each other on October 24. Khanh Hoa FC will meet Long An, who have already fulfilled their target of staying at the league. If Khanh Hoa FC can take advantage of the opportunity and win 2 away matches against Quang Nam and Long An, they can book a promotion to V.League 1 next season.

 

An Nhien

Translated by H.N