Tran Tien
Football Tribe Vietnam
Returning to the AFC competitions after a three-year absence, Becamex Binh Duong aimed to make something special in the match against Ceres Negros.
The host team started very well, as dynamic winger To Van Vu, managed to create some chances. But with more experience in the competition, Ceres Negros played calmly with the stubborn defense, and took the lead amid a baffling situation.
The linesman raised the flag to call Ceres Negros’ striker offside, but the main referee said no. Binh Duong’s keeper Tan Truong prepared for the indirect free kick, but didn’t notice that Bienve Maranon came to challenge for the ball, which he ultimately lost and allowed the Spaniard score.
After conceding such a ridiculous goal, Becamex Binh Duong has failed to control the game. They were unable to reach the final third of the visitors.
In the second half, coach Tran Minh Chien brought on experienced striker Nguyen Anh Duc to try and get back into the game. Binh Duong’s pressure finally paid off when they equalized in the 73rd minute when Nguyen Anh Tai’s deep cross to the far post was fed back across goal by Shumeyko and Wander Luiz brilliantly hooked the ball in on the volley.
But, after the goal, the hosts collapsed very easily by letting in two goals in just three minutes. Bienve Maranon completed his hat-trick and to condemn the hosts to a 3-1 loss.
Becamex Binh Duong now will be desperate for their first win of the campaign when they travel to Myanmar to face Shan United in the next matchday.
Elsewhere, Hanoi FC only managed to collect one point on the artificial turf at Singapore’s Tampines Rovers. The defending V.League champions opened the scoring at the 62nd minutes through Omar Faye but were unable to maintain the lead until the final whistle. Jordan Webb scored the equalizer for the host at 77 minutes.
The result ensures Hanoi remain ahead of Tampines on goal difference at the top of the Group F standings.