Ho Chi Minh City crushed Can Tho 5-1 at Go Dau Stadium in Binh Duong Province on Monday to win Group E and book a berth in the finals of the Thanh Nien-sponsored U21 National Football Tournament.

City is the second team to battle its way into the quarterfinals. Khanh Hoa in Group D secured a spot on Sunday after victories against Binh Thuan, Phu Yen and Tay Ninh.

Monday’s score reflected the many scoring opportunities initiated by Dang Ngoc Tung and pounced on by strikers Tuan An and Cong Vu.

The opening goal for HCMC came when Tuan An headed home a Van Tien corner kick. Cong Vu doubled the score soon after.

HCMC went on to lead by five-nil after goals by captain Tien Phat, Ngoc Tung and Tuan An again.

Can Tho’s late consolation came from a penalty kick by Thanh Liem 15 minutes from full time.

HCMC coach Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Chuong was thrilled with the result and said his side would prepare thoroughly for the finals.

In Group B at Vinh Stadium, hosts Song Lam Nghe An triumphed over T&T Hanoi 4-2 in a seesaw affair, Army (The Cong) defeated Hanoi ACB 3-2, and Fourth Military Zone beat Thanh Hoa 1-0.

After two rounds, Nghe An and Army have four points each.

The six group winners will contest the quarterfinals with defending champions Da Nang and hosts Binh Duong from September 17.

After the grand final on September 27, the best players from the national tournament will be picked to contest the Thanh Nien-sponsored U21 International Football Tournament with Iran, China, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia next month.

Reported by Thanh Nien staff