SHB Danang revel in Cup glory
Winger Huynh Quoc Anh triggered a double while Argentinean scorer Gaston Merlo and Tanzanian Danny David added a goal each to help SHB Danang trounce Saigon Xuan Thanh Cement 4-0 in the Super Cup held in Danang city on February 23.
It was the first time the Danang team had bagged the trophy since it debuted in 1999.
Just three minutes into the game, Anh netted the ball from close range to beat national goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong.
Danang then upped the offensive with wingers Anh and Merlo’s positioning and support from Romanian Sabin-Coasmin Goia and David.
The hosts missed other clear chances to score in the last minutes before the break when Nigerian striker Suleiman Abdullahi faced goalie Thanh Binh in a quick counterattack.
However, Binh made a perfect save and sustained the 1-0 first-half lead for the hosts.
Danang continued to dominate in the second half, keeping the visitors on the defensive to vocal home crowd support.
In the 65th minute, David passed for Merlo to tap in. The goal marked a perfect return for the Argentinean striker after a knee ligament operation. He has inked a three-year contract with Danang when his old contract expired last year.
Anh helped the host lead 3-0 in the 70th minute when he hit the rebound to beat goalie Tan Truong once again.
Danny completed the Super Cup final with a solo performance three minutes before the final whistle, when he dribbled the ball past three defenders and goalkeeper Truong to an empty net.
Saigon Xuan Thanh then attacked but they still failed to beat the host’ defence.
Danang won the V-League last year, while Saigon Xuan Thanh bagged the National Cup.