With home field advantage and determination to win to compete for a high ranking, Viettel FC confidently entered the match against Becamex Binh Duong. However, it was the away team that created significant pressure in the first minutes of the match.

Despite not dominating the game, Viettel FC still scored the opening goal. In the 24th minute, player Du Dat touched the ball with his hand in the penalty area, referee Tran Ngoc Nho immediately awarded a penalty to Viettel FC despite the protests of Becamex Binh Duong players. From a distance of 11m, Duc Chien easily fooled goalkeeper Minh Toan to open the score for the home team.

Duc Chien celebrates scoring the opening goal for Viettel FC. Photo: VIET AN

After the opening goal, Viettel FC played slowly to preserve their advantage. On the other side of the front line, Becamex Binh Duong unexpectedly scored an equalizer to tie the score at 1-1. In the 45th minute, from a not-so-dangerous cross, goalkeeper Van Phong (Viettel FC) rushed out to catch the ball but let it slip out of his hands when it landed. Player Quang Hung immediately shot into Viettel FC's empty net. Goalkeeper Van Phong tried to explain to referee Tran Ngoc Nho because he thought he had been fouled, but the goal was still recognized for the away team. After this goal, Quang Hung burst into tears because this was a memorable milestone when he returned to professional football after 9 years of being "suspended" for participating in match-fixing.

Quang Hung burst into tears when he scored the equalizer 1-1. Photo: VIET AN

After a few lackluster minutes, rookie Essameldin was replaced by Nham Manh Dung by Viettel FC's coaching staff. Despite not controlling the ball much, Viettel FC still scored another goal and the scorer was Duc Chien. In the 64th minute, receiving the ball from the 16m50 line, Duc Chien fired a powerful shot, the ball did not go dangerously but the goalkeeper of Becamex Binh Duong played subjectively and let the ball slip through his legs into the net.

In the remaining minutes, Viettel FC played well to secure a 2-1 victory over Becamex Binh Duong. The above result helped Viettel FC rise to 4th place on the rankings with 18 points and is sure to be in the top 8 after the first phase of Night Wolf V-League 2023.

Rookie Essameldin (left) has his debut match at Viettel FC. Photo: VIET AN

* In the previous match, at Vinh Stadium, Song Lam Nghe An drew 0-0 with Topenland Binh Dinh. At Nha Trang Stadium, Hanoi FC beat Khanh Hoa FC 2-1. At Pleiku Stadium, Hoang Anh Gia Lai drew 0-0 with Ho Chi Minh City Club. After round 12 of Night Wolf V-League 2023, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (14 points) and Song Lam Nghe An (13 points) are at high risk of falling into the relegation group. Meanwhile, the top 8 leaders are: Cong An Hanoi FC (24 points), Dong A Thanh Hoa (23 points), Hanoi FC (22 points), Viettel FC (18 points), Hong Linh Ha Tinh (17 points), Hai Phong FC (16 points), Topenland Binh Dinh (16 points) and Thep Xanh Nam Dinh (16 points).

Chief