Nigerian striker Timothy Anjembe surprised Vietnamese football experts and fans with a hat-trick to earn Dong Thap a 3-0 away win over title contender Hoang Anh Gia Lai in Saturday’s opener of Vietnam’s premier league.

In the away-win against HAGL in Pleiku Town, Anjembe beat the three defenders Nirut, Duy Quang and Van Pho several times.

With his great sprinting ability, footwork and striking accuracy, the Nigerian was quick to grab chances to score when Pho and Quang made mistakes, posing a constant challenge for defenders.

The Mekong Delta club was lucky to grab the rough diamond just two days before the kickoff of the 2009 V-League.

Anjembe came to look for work in Vietnam last year; but suffered injuries after a try-out at Hoa Phat Hanoi, and went back home.

When he came back, he applied to Vissai Ninh Binh Club, but the wealthy northern club had enough players, so Anjembe drifted southward.

Dong Thap coach Pham Cong Loc said, “In the encounter with HAGL, I set up the team with Anjembe as the key player as I know his strengths. I am pleased that he fitted in with the team so quickly. Now I am confident about the front line.”

Loc also said he was hopeful that he would have the key striker, Samson Kayode Olaleye, back after the third round when he has recovered from injuries. With both Africans on the field Dong Thap will be dangerous.

Speaking to Thanh Nien, the team’s new hero Anjembe said, “I am happy to be the first player to score a hat-trick in the 2009 V-League.”

He said he was determined to stop the team from being relegated to the lower First Division.

Reported by Quang Huy