The match at Pleiku Stadium was billed as a relegation showdown, with both teams entering the clash tied on seven points after nine matches, sitting at the bottom of the table. The result leaves both sides still in deep trouble but gives HAGL a vital point in their fight for survival.
HAGL struggled from the start, missing key midfielder Vinh Nguyen due to suspension after accumulating three yellow cards. Without his presence, the mountain team failed to control the midfield, allowing Thanh Hoa to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
Coach Choi Won Kwon’s visitors pressed high and created numerous chances, with goalkeeper Trung Kien keeping HAGL in the game through a series of saves. The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when center-back Mbodji rose highest to head home from a left-sided corner, giving Thanh Hoa a deserved 1-0 lead.
After the break, HAGL coach Le Quang Trai made tactical changes, replacing midfielder Hoang Minh with striker Conceicao to strengthen the attack. However, the home side’s offense remained ineffective, struggling to connect passes and break through Thanh Hoa’s defense.
The mountain team thought they had found an equalizer in the 73rd minute when Gia Bao found the net, but referee Do Anh Duc overturned the goal after a VAR review, ruling a foul on goalkeeper Xuan Hoang in the buildup.
Just as defeat seemed certain, HAGL found salvation in stoppage time. In a last-gasp set-piece scramble, 18-year-old defender Quang Kiet reacted quickest to slot home from close range, sparking wild celebrations among home fans.
The late goal earned HAGL a precious point and kept their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
Both clubs will now look to regroup as the relegation race intensifies in the coming weeks.
