The loss leaves the mountain town club under growing pressure in the closing stages of the season after a second consecutive defeat on home soil.
HAGL entered the match desperate for points following their 2-1 loss to PVF CAND in the previous round, a result that had reduced their cushion above the relegation zone to five points. Hong Linh Ha Tinh (HLHT), meanwhile, arrived in Pleiku only one point ahead of the hosts, adding further intensity to the relegation battle.
The home side welcomed back several key players, with Trung Kiên, Jairo and Quang Kiệt returning to the starting lineup after missing the previous match.
Both teams began cautiously but the contest quickly turned physical as challenges flew in across midfield. Referee Trương Hồng Vũ handed out five yellow cards in the first half amid repeated fouls and heated disputes involving players and coaching staff from both sides.
Despite the evenly contested nature of the game, HLHT created the more dangerous opportunities. Several attempts either missed the target or were denied by goalkeeper Trung Kiên.
HAGL struggled to threaten consistently in attack, with Brazilian striker Batista unable to break free from the visiting defense. His best chance came late in the first half when he headed wide from close range.
The breakthrough arrived deep into stoppage time before halftime when Marciel handled the ball following an opponent’s header inside the penalty area. After consulting VAR, the referee awarded HLHT a penalty.
Charles calmly converted from the spot, sending Trung Kiên the wrong way to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
The decision triggered angry protests from HAGL players and coaching staff, who believed an earlier foul by an HLHT player should have been penalized. However, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
HAGL attempted to respond after the break but were dealt another setback in the 56th minute. From a corner kick, defender Helerson rose above the defense to head home and double HLHT’s advantage.
Trailing by two goals, coach Lê Quang Trãi introduced attacking changes, bringing on Gia Bảo, Minh Tâm and Hoàng Minh in search of a comeback.
HAGL pushed forward aggressively in the closing stages and even replaced center-back Jairo with striker Conceicao in the final 10 minutes. However, the hosts struggled to break down a disciplined HLHT defense.
Most of HAGL’s attacks relied on crosses into the penalty area, a predictable approach that the visitors handled comfortably.
Conceicao came closest to reducing the deficit in the 86th minute but was denied by goalkeeper Thanh Tùng from inside the box.
Unable to find a way back into the match, HAGL were left to absorb another damaging defeat that increases the risk of being dragged deeper into the relegation fight with only three rounds remaining.
