Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side kick-started their title defence campaign without having their strongest squad, as centre backs Tran Dinh Trong and Do Duy Manh, and forward Rimario, were absent due to injury.
However, the exceptional form of captain Nguyen Van Quyet in attack helped to bring home all three points for Hanoi FC. Just eight minutes in, the skipper beat the off-side trap on the right flank and placed a low cross into the box, forcing Quoc Huong to inadvertently slot it into his own net to gift the hosts an opening goal.
Hanoi FC doubled their advantage 15 minutes later, with Ngan Van Dai blasting a low shot from the edge of the penalty area to beat goalkeeper Dinh Xuan Viet.
Despite promptly lagging two goals behind, the guests still fought resiliently and managed to narrow the gap in the 53rd minute thanks to a skilful header from new signing Do Merlo.
Hanoi FC players celebrate their goal. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
Hanoi FC almost restored their two-goal lead in the 66th minute with Pape Omar hitting the post, but they eventually managed to do so six minutes later with Viet Anh slotting in from close range.
In the 86th minute, Do Merlo chipped a delightful through ball for Fernandes to reduce Nam Dinh’s deficit to 2-3. However, Pape Omar snuffed the guests’ hopes of earning a draw by heading home Van Quyet’s excellent pass on the stroke of full time to seal a 4-2 victory for Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side.
Last year's runners-up Ho Chi Minh City also deliver a sweet start to their 2020 V.League campaign.
Earlier on March 6, last year’s runners-up Ho Chi Minh City came from behind to beat Quang Nam FC 3-1. Rocha put Quang Nam ahead two minutes after the hour mark, but the hosts could not prevent Chung Hae-seong’s side from producing a stunning comeback with goals by Viet Phu (67’) and Xuan Nam (88’, 90’+5).
Hoang Anh Gia Lai (in white) clinch a shocking win against Quang Ninh Coal FC.
Hoang Anh Gia Lai produced a big shock by edging past 2019 third-place side Quang Ninh Coal FC on the same day thanks to a solitary strike from Ngoc Quang.
The 2020 V.League will continue today with the four remaining fixtures of Matchday 1, including Hong Linh Ha Tinh – Viettel FC, Becamex Binh Duong – SHB Da Nang, Thanh Hoa FC – Hai Phong FC and Saigon FC – Song Lam Nghe An.
