The Cong and SHB Da Nang advance to final; Quang Ngai, Hai Phong face penalty; Pre-AI Games III tournaments due in September

The Cong beat Song Lam Nghe An 4-1 while SHB Da Nang defeated Binh Duong in the thrilling penalty shoot-out yesterday to qualify for the final of the 2009 National Cup.

At Chi Lang stadium, spectators in Da Nang witnessed an exciting and dramatic match. Hosts SHB Da Nang came from behind to lead only 15 minutes after the opening whistle. The hosts took the lead 3-2 in the 84th minute. However, Philani scored an equaliser for Binh Duong five minutes later. The 3-3 score was kept unchanged after two main halves. And the excellent performance of goalkeeper Duc Cuong helped Da Nang earn a berth in the final to take on The Cong who crushed Song Lam Nghe An 4-1 in the other semi-final.

Binh Duong and Song Lam Nghe An co-shared bronzes and the prize money of VND 50 million each.

The final between The Cong and Da Nang will be held at Hang Day stadium in Hanoi on August 29.

Quang Ngai, Hai Phong face penalty

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF)’s Disciplinary Board has imposed big fines on two football clubs of SLB STN Quang Ngai in the First Division-Sino Cup and Hai Phong Cement in the V-League.

Accordingly, LB STN Quang Ngai was ruled out of the First Division this season and was fined VND 70 million for quitting the match without permission in Round 22 against Sai Gon United at Thong Nhat stadium on July 25.

Meanwhile, in the V-League, Hai Phong Cement was fined with VND 55 million and will play at home without spectators in Round 24 for not having ensured security in the match of Round 22 against Ho Chi Minh City Club at Lach Tray stadium on July 26.

Pre-AI Games III tournaments due in September

Pre-Asian Indoor Games III tournaments will take place in the second half of September in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other venues before the games officially begin in late October.

Vietnam will host the third Asian Indoor Games from October 30 to November 8, 2009. About 5,000 athletes from 45 countries and territories will compete in 20 sporting events and a demonstration event. About 2,000 correspondents will cover the games while 4,000 volunteers will be selected to provide support for foreign officials and athletes.

The organising board is expected to sign a contract soon with Sport World Company which is to mobilise and provide commercial sponsorships for the games.

The General Department of Sport and Physical Training has decided to summon the Vovinam 1 & 2 teams to prepare for two international tournaments.

Vovinam 1, comprising a coach and 26 athletes (11 women) will begin training on July 15 to compete in the World Vovinam Championships scheduled for July 27-30.

Vovinam 2, comprising five coaches and 25 athletes (5 women), will train from July 17-November 10 to prepare for Asian Indoor Games III. The two tournaments will be held at the Competition House of Military Zone No7 in HCM City.

PV