Vietnam AFC Cup

Song Lam Nghe An close to 2018 AFC Cup knock-out stage after Tampines Rover win

Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) are on the verge of 2018 AFC Cup Zonal Semi-final berth following the 2-1 win over Tampines Rover at Vinh stadium on Tuesday.

The home team broke the deadlock after just fifteen minutes when Nigerian striker Michael Olaha headed home from Dau Thanh Phong’s corner.

Tampines Rover equalized seven minutes into the halftime. Japanese midfielder Ryutaro Megumi recycled the ball into the area, with Irfan Najeeb made a perfect header into the back of the net.

In the end, SLNA found the winner with just fifteen minutes remaining when the low cross of Le The Cuong fell at Ho Tuan Tai’s feet, and the striker made no mistake in firing past Syazwan Buhari.

The victory means SLNA staying the second place of the Group H with the same points but inferior face-to-face with table toppers Persija Jakarta, who earned a 4-0 win over heavyweight Johor Darul Ta’zim on the later game.

SLNA must pick themselves at least a draw for an away match against JDT on April 24 to progress to the knockout rounds.