Asia Champions: AIFF XI go down to PVF Vietnam

PVF Vietnam surged into the lead in the 34th minute. With both the Teams playing in equal terms till then, AIFF XI saw an opportunity to attack at the rival citadel. But even as the buildup was gaining momentum, a mispass allowed PVF to regroup. AIFF XI, caught on the counter, tried desperate to keep it at bay and in the process, the nimble-footed Bguyen Vu Tin was brought down in the box by Jerry Lalrinzuala.

Ngo Tung Quoc converted from the spot as both PVF went into the interval enjoying the one-goal cushion.

Changing over, Head Coach Goutam Ghosh introduced a double substitution in the 55th minute. While Nijwm Muchahary, AIFF XI’s goalscorer against PVF Vietnam in the home-match in Barasat replaced Bedashwor Singh, Deependra Singh Negi came in for Aaron Rodrigues.

It almost paid dividends within five minutes as Captain Edmund Lalrindika and Krishna Pandit combined well and broke into the rival box. But even as an Edmund outstretched himself to tap in Krishna’s cross, it was just that shade longer for him.

However, AIFF XI couldn’t sustain the momentum as PVF scored two almost immediately, that too within a span of three minutes to take a 3-0 lead by the 72nd minute.

First Pham Trong Hoa made it 2-0 in the 69th minute. PVF earned a free-kick from around 30 yards and the ball hit the wall before falling to Hoa who slotted it home.

Three minutes later, PVF scored their third goal. Nguyen Van Thinh followed Hoa’s through pass to place it in.

AIFF XI: Dheeraj Singh, Amey Ranawade, Amit Tudu, Jayananda Singh, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Anirudh Thapa, Prosenjit Chakraborty, Aaron Rodrigues (Deependra Singh Negi – 55th), Edmund Lalrindika (Captain) (Kishan Singh – 65th), Krishna Pandit, Bedashwor Singh (Nijwm Muchahary – 55th).