Binh Duong striker Philani (R) vies with a PEA defender in their match at Bangkok’s Supachalasai stadium Tuesday

Vietnam’s Binh Duong moved to the top of group H in the 2009 AFC Cup with a shocking 3-1 victory over defending Thai Premier League champion Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) at Supachalasai stadium Tuesday.

The Vietnamese side took the lead in the 20^th minute with midfielder Truong Giang sending a low pass from the left to striker Philani, who scored from close-range.

The Thais looked frustrated after taking the hit and goalkeeper Umrani lessened his team’s chances of coming back into the game with a sloppy mistake in the 33^rd minute.

The goalie failed to parry a free kick from Binh Duong’s Hoang Vuong, which found it’s way into the net, bringing the score line to 2-0.

PEA skipper Sampahangsit replaced defender Theerathon with striker Supakit at the half in an attempt to add more power to the front line.

The substitution paid off as Supakit broke the off-side trap to beat goal keeper The Anh one-on-one barely a minute after the break.

PEA gained control of the game with a tenacious attack, but it couldn’t get past the visitors’ stubborn defense.

In injury time, Brazilian striker Huynh Kesley bamboozled goalie Umrani in the box to score the final goal after breaking the home team’s offside trap.

The victory moved Binh Duong up to 6 points after two matches, equal on points with Singapore’s Home United and PEA, who has played three matches. Despite the deadlock on points, the Vietnamese team is ranked first in group H thanks to their favorable goal differential.

In related news, Ha Noi ACB bowed out of the tournament Tuesday after losing 0-2 to Thailand’s Chonburi at home. The Thai team moved to the top of group G after the victory.

Reported by Quang Huy