VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam will meet Sierra Leone for a semi-final match in the 40th Merdeca Cup on Thursday after securing its place at the top of Group A.

The Vietnamese started early, needing only four minutes to score the game’s opener by striker Nguyen Van Khai, who converted teammate Huynh Phuc Hiep’s low pass across the goal.

With a guaranteed semi-final berth after two wins in the competition, Viet Nam coach Mai Duc Chung decided to give his substitute players a chance to practise their skills.

Strikers for Bangladesh, who had no hope of moving forward in the competition, continued to push Viet Nam with strong play throughout the match.

In an exciting move, Jahid Hasan Ameli received a cross from Md Ariful Islam to level the score in the 32nd minute.

Continuing to the second half, Bangladesh intensified their attacks the 49th minute with Md Zahid Hossain, who conquered two Vietnamese defenders from the right side of the field and keeper Bui Tan Truong in a solo effort to put his team ahead.

To ease some pressure Coach Chung put Phan Thanh Binh in the forward line.

Binh’s assault gave Vietnam the tying goal in the 62nd minute. It was his fourth goal of the competition after three matches so far.

“Although the coaching staff warned players to play with determination for another victory the players somehow dropped the ball and played with less gusto because we are already qualified for the next round,” Chung told the press after the match.

Chung also added that Bangladesh played a very good game and the final score was deserved. He particularly admired remarkable performances by Hasan Ameli and Zahid Hossain.

Sierra Leone ranked second in Group A after one win, one draw and one loss.

The other semi-final match will see a clash between Malaysia and Myanmar.

(Source: Viet Nam News)