Group A hosts Nam Dinh and Group C hosts Hoang Anh Gia Lai moved closer to the quarterfinals of the Thanh Nien-sponsored U21 National Football Tournament with convincing victories on Tuesday.

In their third consecutive group win, Nam Dinh playing at Thien Truong Stadium led Cong An Nhan Dan 3-1 going into the break, and only a concerted counterattack yielding another goal in the second half salvaged some respect for the losing side.

At Pleiku Stadium, Hoang Anh Gia Lai hammered Binh Dinh 3-0 to notch up their second win on the trot.

Vo Ut Cuong’s opener in the 20th minute and Bui Tran Vu’s goal three minutes later gave Gia Lai a comfortable lead at half-time, and Thanh Tan added icing to the cake by scoring in the final minute.

In other games, Ha Tinh defeated Hoa Phat Hanoi 1-0 in Group A, and Quang Nam and Dak Lak fought to a 3-3 draw in Group C.

In Group F at My Tho Stadium, Dong Thap thrashed Ca Mau 3-0 in heavy rain to join hosts Tien Giang at the top with six points, and Kien Giang beat An Giang 2-1 thanks to a double by Ba Vinh.

Reported by Thanh Nien staff