HO CHI MINH CITY (1 July 2019) – HCM City made the quarterfinals of the Vietnam National Cup after dumping Viettel 4-3 in the penalty shootout that was held at the Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi.
The score at the end of regulation was 3-3 with the visiting HCM City side the first to get on to the score sheet through naturalised player Huynh Kesley Alves just 17 minutes in.
Viettel then drew level off midfielder Nguyen Trọng Hoàng in the 36th minute for both teams to deadlock at the break.
But HCM City came in stronger after the restart as they whipped in two quick goals from Alves and then new signing Izzy Akinade for a 3-1 lead as the home team then replied off Bruno Cantanhede and Nguyen Viet Phong to force the game into penalties.
In the shootout, HCM City maintained their composure to beat Viettel 4-3 to move into the quarters.
In other Round of 16 matches, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) knocked out Quang Ninh 5-4, also through penalties after both teams were tied 2-2.
Nam Dinh beat Bình Phuoc 3-0 at home.
