Binh Duong now has the best record ever for a Vietnamese team at the AFC Cup after the underdogs upset Al Karamah of Syria 2-1 in the first leg of the quarterfinals at home on Thursday.

Coach Mai Duc Chung’s players were focused and confident against the stronger side.

The home team took the lead after 18 minutes when defender Chi Cong headed home a cross from midfielder Vu Phong on the left flank.

Binh Duong doubled the score two minutes from the break after South African striker Philani split two Al Karamah defenders and beat goalkeeper Mosak Balhous.

The Syrian side improved its defense and had more ball possession in the second half. It’s relentless attacks put pressure on the home side, but it wasn’t enough.

Binh Duong had a clear chance 20 minutes from the interval, but Vu Phong’s finish was not strong enough and Al Karamah defenders had time to send it off.

Binh Duong paid the price of missing the opportunity less than 10 minutes later when Almad Alomier fired a powerful shot into the net from outside Binh Duong’s penalty area. But pulling one goal back wasn’t good enough.

Speaking at Go Dau stadium after the match, coach Chung shrugged off the goal his team had allowed, chalking it up to “a moment’s lapse of concentration.”

“However,” he said, “I am pleased with my players’ performance and the result.”

Al Karamah’s coach Mohamad Kwid said Binh Duong played better than his team. “It will be very difficult for us in the second leg, but we still have a chance.”

The squads will face off again at Khaled Ibn Al Waleed Stadium in Syria next Wednesday.

Reported by Quang Huy