HAGL hold Sydney FC to a draw in AFC Champions League

Continuing their impressive performance in the previous defeat to Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos, HAGL remained offensive against the runner-up of Australia’s top championship A-League.

However, Sydney FC had the advantage of physique and they pushed forward to keep HAGL defensive. The Vietnamese club were lucky to escape two penalties in the first half when Mauricio Barbosa fouled Luciano Narsingh, before keeper Huynh Tuan Linh tackled Adam Le Fondre. In the 20th minute, Narsingh had a chance to finish but couldn’t beat Tuan Linh.

Six minutes later, HAGL scored first, thanks to a freekick from 27m by right-back Vu Van Thanh. The freekick bounced off the ground which surprised Sydney keeper Andrew Redmayne.

After opening the score, HAGL continued to put pressure on Sydney and almost scored again when Washington Brandao’s pass inside the box deflected off Alex Wilkinson but keeper Redmayne showed great reflexes to push the ball away.

In the second half, HAGL’s key defender Kim Dong-su couldn’t continue because of injury and Sydney exploited this position. Trent Buhagiar headed in a Anthony Caceres cross to score the equalizer in the 60th minute.

HAGL head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang brought in Jefferson Baiano and Luong Xuan Truong on to increase the firepower. From this moment, HAGL dominated the match with multiple chances to score. Nguyen Van Toan even got the ball into the net but the goal was called offside.

The score remained 1-1 until the end despite HAGL’s efforts. Although they had just 42 percent of the possession, HAGL got 13 shots at the goal compared to Sydney’s eight. Two draws have helped Sydney climb to second spot in group H, while HAGL are still at the bottom. On April 22, they go up against South Korean champions Jeonbuk.

 

 

HAGL hold Sydney FC to a draw in AFC Champions League

HAGL 1-1 Sydney FC