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It was in fact HAGL’s first victory in the event since 2004.
In HCMC's Thong Nhat Stadium, Sydney only managed one shot on goal while the hosts had four.
Right from the kickoff HAGL pushed forward and created several chances from corners. But they almost conceded in the 25th minute when the ball was crossed in from the right to an unmarked Adam Le Fronde, but he missed with his shot.
In the 39th minute HAGL opened the score after a great bit of play. Nguyen Cong Phuong played a long ball to Nguyen Minh Vuong and he passed it to Nguyen Van Toan, who backheeled it back to Vuong. The midfielder crossed into the box and found Washington Brandao, who volleyed it into the top corner beating goalkeeper Tom Heward-Belle.
Sydney missed another chance at the start of the second half when Anthony Caceres’ shot went straight into the hands of HAGL keeper Huynh Tuan Linh.
With the lead taken, HAGL played deeper and waited to attack on the break. They could have scored another in the 61st minute when Van Toan set Vu Van Thanh up for a tap-in, but he missed.
In extra minute time HAGL substitute Jefferson Baiano dribbled past the Sydney defenders into the box but his shot hit the post in what was the last chance of the game.
HAGL finished third position behind South Korean champions Jeonbuk FC and Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos.
AFC Champions League: HAGL 1-0 Sydney FC
