Xuân Son helps Nam Định advance to the National Cup semi-finals

Nam Định continues to demonstrate impressive performance in the National Cup with a 2-1 win against SHB Đà Nẵng, thus officially securing their spot in the semi-finals.

From the opening minutes, Nam Định proactively pushed their formation forward and showed determination to dictate the game. Their attacking combinations appeared significantly sharper, while the home team also responded promptly with swift ball-moving situations. The match unfolded openly, with numerous opportunities created towards both teams' goals.

The turning point arrived in the 27th minute when Nam Định capitalized well on a set-piece situation. From a precisely executed corner kick, Xuân Son moved intelligently and tapped the ball close to the goal, denying the goalkeeper any chance to save, opening the score to 1-0 for the visiting team. The goal helped Nam Định relieve pressure and play more fluidly.

With the advantage secured, the Nam Định team continued to maintain pressure. By the 39th minute, they doubled the lead with a textbook flank attack. A precise cross from the right wing by Hoàng Anh placed Akolo in a favorable position, and this foreign player did not miss the opportunity with a decisive finish, raising the score to 2-0 before the first half concluded.

In the second half, SHB Đà Nẵng had to push their formation higher in search of a equalizing goal. The home team's efforts were finally rewarded in the 58th minute. After a series of smooth combinations, the ball was delivered into the penalty area for Phi Hoàng to rush in and finish, narrowing the score to 1-2, reigniting hope for the Han River team.

The remaining period witnessed significant pressure from SHB Đà Nẵng. They continuously organized attacks, utilizing every possible opportunity to find the equalizer. However, lack of precision in finishing prevented the home team from achieving their objective. The most regrettable moment occurred during added time, when Phi Hoàng's header sent the ball bouncing off the crossbar, missing a golden chance to bring the match back to a draw.

On the opposite side, Nam Định also had additional opportunities to increase the lead, among which Xuân Son nearly completed a double with a close-range header but the ball narrowly missed the goal. Nevertheless, the visiting team preserved their fragile advantage until the final whistle sounded.