LookAtVietnam – Becamex Binh Duong made history by becoming the first Vietnamese football club to reach the semi-finals of a continental club football competition

The long-awaited victory makes Becamex Binh Duong the first Vietnamese football club to reach the final four of a continental club football competition. (Photo: VNN)

The first half hour of the game was quite stale, which might have been due to the effects of a downpour that occurred just before the start of the game. The players had a difficult time controlling the ball and had many misplaced passes, but the match began to pick up the pace once the hosts increased their rhythm.

In the 39th minute, the home team missed a chance to score after a dangerous counter-attack. With a pass from former national midfielder Nguyen Huu Thang, Nguyen Vu Phong slipped past Chonburi’s defender and squared a cross in front of the visitors’ goal, but both Binh Duong’s forwards Nguyen Anh Duc and Kubheka failed to make the final touch.

The second half saw the home team dominate with continuous attacks from Phong, Monila and Philani, who worked together extremely well. It was only a matter of time before the home team broke the deadlock.

Within 20,000 drenched spectators watching in the stands, Philani dashed into the box to put the ball past Chonburi’s goalkeeper Kosin at the 57th minute, after receiving a cross from Molina.

The Thais’ remaining hopes were destroyed after Binh Duong landed another goal in the 88th minute from a solid free kick from the right wing.

The long-awaited victory makes Becamex Binh Duong the first Vietnamese football club to reach the final four of a continental club football competition.

“I am very happy now. This was a very tough game, but our team won,” Becamex Binh Duong head coach Mai Duc Chung said after the match.

“I want to thank fans nation-wide and the Binh Duong fans in particular for always being behind us. This victory belongs to the fans and to the whole team. All the players performed very well,” said Chung, who also emphasised the importance of Philani and Molina.

“We tried our best, but we could not achieve the results we wanted,” said Chonburi head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News