(Football result) - Nam Định needed a late goal from Akolo to narrowly defeat Thanh Hóa in the 16th round of V-League.
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The match started with Nam Định taking the initiative. The home team controlled the ball well and continuously created dangerous opportunities. Lý Công Hoàng Anh had a shot that missed the post in the 6th minute before Văn Tới failed to score with a header from a corner situation. In the 13th minute, Hoàng Anh again delivered a favorable cross for Xuân Son, but the striker could not beat goalkeeper Y Êli Niê.
Nam Định's pressure continued throughout the rest of the first half. Percy Tau tried his luck with a curling free kick in the 15th minute, but the shot was inaccurate. Xuân Son missed another opportunity after a pass from Hoàng Anh. Despite creating many dangerous situations, the home team could not convert them into a goal before halftime.
In the second half, Nam Định continued to increase pressure. Goalkeeper Y Êli Niê became the highlight for Thanh Hóa with three excellent saves against headers from Lucas Alves and a follow-up shot from Caio. However, the home team also had moments of defensive distraction, nearly allowing Thanh Hóa a chance to shoot, but goalkeeper Nguyên Mạnh timely intervened to save the situation.
After many missed opportunities, Nam Định finally found a goal in the 78th minute. Xuân Son made a favorable wall pass for newcomer Akolo to run onto the ball and deliver an accurate diagonal shot, defeating goalkeeper Y Êli Niê. This goal helped Nam Định maintain their advantage until the end of the match, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Thanh Hóa.
Full time, Nam Định 1-0 Thanh Hóa
78' In, Nam Định finally scored the opening goal
Xuân Son made a favorable wall pass for newcomer Akolo to run onto the ball before delivering an accurate diagonal shot, opening the score for the match.
74' Not in
Nam Định defenders repeatedly made mistakes handling the ball in their own half, nearly giving Thanh Hóa a chance to shoot inside the penalty area. Fortunately for the home team, goalkeeper Nguyên Mạnh timely rushed out to intervene, correcting his teammates' errors.
62': Xuân Son missed
Văn Vĩ passed to Xuân Son, but the ball was slightly too strong. The home team was wasting many opportunities. Meanwhile, Thanh Hóa was having a successful match up to that point.
56': Still not
From a teammate's pass, Lucas Alves rushed in for a close-range header but still sent the ball inaccurate.
52': Excellent save
Goalkeeper Y Êli Niê made three consecutive saves for Thanh Hóa against headers from Lucas and a follow-up shot from Caio.
47': Not in
Ngọc Mỹ dribbled past three home players and then attempted a shot, but the ball lacked sensitivity. Still no goal for Thanh Hóa.
42': Not successful
Xuân Son again fell in Thanh Hóa's penalty area, but the referee determined there was no foul by the visiting team player.
31': Continued miss
Despite creating many good opportunities into Thanh Hóa's penalty area, Nam Định still could not successfully capitalize.
21': Still not successful
Lý Công Hoàng Anh passed inside for Xuân Son to rush in for a header, but still no goal for the home team.
15': Dangerous
Nam Định received a set-piece free kick. Percy Tau attempted a very curling shot but lacked a bit of accuracy to open the match score.
15': Inaccurate
Ngọc Mỹ tried dribbling on the left flank and decided to shoot immediately. However, the ball was inaccurate.
13': Not in!!!
Lý Công Hoàng Anh delivered a favorable cross for Xuân Son before he attempted a shot but could not beat goalkeeper Y Êli Niê.
10': Not in
From a corner situation, Lý Công Hoàng Anh lofted a ball inside for Văn Tới to rush in for a header but failed.
6': Not successful
Lý Công Hoàng Anh dribbled and then attempted a shot towards goalkeeper Êli Niê, but the ball missed the post. Nam Định were controlling better.
1': Match started
For viewers to easily follow, we will update detailed developments and match results through this article.
After a prolonged slump, Nam Định Club is showing clear improvement in performance under coach Vũ Hồng Việt. Two consecutive victories over Ninh Bình and PVF-CAND not only helped the southern team improve their morale but also lifted them to 9th place in the standings, temporarily widening the gap with the bottom group.
Meanwhile, Thanh Hóa Club still cannot escape their difficult phase. The 0-1 loss to Hà Tĩnh in round 15 - a match that sparked much controversy related to refereeing has kept coach Mai Xuân Hợp and his team stuck in the bottom group with 13 points, only 2 points more than the bottom team PVF-CAND.
The upcoming match at Thiên Trường Stadium is predicted to be crucial for both teams. Considering the strength comparison, Nam Định holds a certain advantage as Thanh Hóa will be without two players Huỳnh Minh Đoàn and Lê Văn Thắng due to suspension. This likely forces the visiting team to choose a tight playstyle, prioritizing safety to aim for at least one point, similar to the result in the first leg.
On the other hand, Nam Định certainly aims to secure all 3 points to continue improving their position and create a safer distance from the bottom group. Given the importance in the relegation battle, the clash between the two teams is predicted to be tense, requiring high concentration in every professional situation.