Dinh Hiep’s four goals help Khanh Hoa secure a berth in the national U21 football tournament

Khatoco Khanh Hoa has become the first qualifier to book a berth in the Thanh Nien-sponsored U21 National Football Final Tournament after winning all three group matches.

Also in Group E, Tay Ninh crushed Phu Yen 5-2 to be in second place with six points, followed by Binh Thuan and Phu Yen with three and zero points respectively.

In Group A, hosts Nam Dinh hammered Ha Tinh 3-0; Hai Phong beat Cong An Nhan Dan 2-0; and Quang Ninh defeated Hoa Phat Hanoi 2-1. Nam Dinh is leading the group with six points while Quang Ninh is second with four points.

Group C Sunday got the ball rolling at Pleiku Stadium in Gia Lai Province. In the opener, Binh Dinh beat Fifth Military Zone 1-0; and in the later match, hosts Hoang Anh Gia Lai defeated Dak Lak 3-1.

In Group F at My Tho Stadium in Tien Giang Province, Dong Thap took a 2-1 win over Kien Giang and hosts Tien Giang thrashed An Giang 4-1.

Only the top-placed teams of the six groups win a berth in the final tournament. They will compete with defending champs Da Nang and hosts of the final tournament Binh Duong at Go Dau Stadium from September 17-27.

Reported by Thanh Nien staff