Washington Brandao's powerful flick was all HAGL needed to shock Sydney FC. (Photo: HAGL Football Club)Ho Chi Minh City (VNS/VNA) — HoangAnh Gia Lai Football Club ended their AFC Champions League journey with a1-0 win against Sydney FC, with Brazilian striker Washington Brandaoscoring the only goal of the match.
This is the first win for a Vietnamese club in 18 years atAsia’s top club competition, and helped Vietnam overtaking China in theAFC rankings.
After an underwhelming loss at the hands of Yokohama F. Marinoson Thursday, Coach Kiatisuk Senamuang switched to a 4-4-2 formation,benching Luong Xuan Truong and starting creative midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh instead.
Already out of the competition, both teams went for all-outattack from the first minutes.
Many chances came for the home side in the form of corners,where Vu Van Thanh and Brandao posed areal danger at the waterlogged Thong Nhat Stadium.
Focusing on attack, HAGL almost conceded in the 25th minute whena counter attack from Sydney FC found an unmarked Adam Le Fondre. The formerReading striker, however, could not capitalise on the opportunity.
Le Fondre and his teammates would soon kick themselves forthe missed opportunity, when fourteen minutes later, great play fromHAGL led to a goal.
A long-range pass from Nguyen Cong Phuongfound Tran Minh Vuong, who made agreat one-two play with Nguyen Van Toan.
Vuong's cross inside the box wasblocked by a Sydney FC defender, but the rebound went to Brandao, whose flickwent into the top corner./.
