The match between Hanoi I and Ho Chi Minh City I is considered the highlight of round 3 as both are top candidates for the championship. With the advantage of the defending champion, Ho Chi Minh City I entered the game proactively and controlled the ball more for most of the first half.
However, Hanoi I's tightly organized defense and the excellence of goalkeeper Van Lien caused the city team's strikers many difficulties in finding a way into the goal. The most notable opportunity came in the 31st minute when Phan Thi Trang escaped and finished from close range after a pass from foreign player Joelma, but Van Lien reacted in time to save.
Stepping into the second half, coach Doan Thi Kim Chi's adjustments quickly took effect. In the 49th minute, from a situation of putting pressure on Hanoi I's goal, Tuyet Ngan headed the ball for Cu Thi Huynh Nhu to rush in and head in, scoring the only goal of the match.
After the opening goal, TPHCM I continued to create an overwhelming game but could not increase the gap. In the opposite direction, Hanoi I pushed up the squad to find an equalizer in the remaining minutes but could not take advantage of the opportunities created, thereby accepting a 0-1 defeat.
With this victory, the Ho Chi Minh City I team has all 9 points after 3 rounds, becoming the only team to win all matches and rise to the top of the table. Meanwhile, Hanoi I suffered their first defeat in the season and is temporarily behind their opponent in the championship race.
In the remaining match of round 3, the match between Phong Phu Ha Nam and Than Khoang San Vietnam will take place along with the clash between Hanoi II and Ho Chi Minh City II.
