Super substitute Nguyen Xuan Nam (left) celebrates his opening goal with teammate Phạm Van Thanh. (Photo: afc.com) Hanoi (VNA) - Substitute Nguyen Xuan Nam scored a brace to maintainHCM City FC's top spot in Group F of the Asian Football Confederation Cup inVientiane, Laos, on March 10.
The Vietnamese team defeated Lao Toyota 2-0 at the National Stadium with bothgoals coming in the second half.
Starting for HCM City was Guinea-Bissauan forward Amido Balde, but hesquandered several opportunities in the first half, leading to his replacementat half time.
Nam, who scored twice in the V.League last week, replaced him, and the26-year-old put his side in front in the 72nd minute.
Nam took the ball into the box after Norihiro Kawakami failed to clear, andeasily found the net.
In the 90th minute, he made it 2-0 for the visitors with a powerful shot fromclose range to beat Soukthavy Soundala.
The home side also offered little in attack in the first half with nothingstrong enough to beat goalkeeper Nguyen Thanh Thang.
HCM City top their group with seven points. They will next entertain Lao Toyotain the return leg at Thong Nhat Stadium on April 15.
In the other game in Group F on March 10, host Yangon United earned a 1-0 winover Hougang United at Thuwunna Stadium.
In Group G, Than Quang Ninh are due to play Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng ofCambodia at Olympic Phnom Penh Stadium on March 11./.
VNA
