When everyone was thinking that a penalty  shootout would decide the game, Phuc Hiep struck, sinking hopes for Khanh Hoa’s team and coach Nguyen Hong Quang in the last minute.

Da Nang started perfectly and played confidently, controlling the match.

Da Nang’s dynamic midfielders Van Quan, Thanh Hung, Hung Son and Nguyen Sa dominated the midfield.

Hung Son started an attack on the right wing and made a pass to Van Meo who headed home to give Da Nang the lead in the eighth minute, while the Khanh Hoa players were still cold.

After the goal, the reigning champions  Khanh Hoa fought back fiercely and put pressure on the 2003 champions.

Their efforts were rewarded just seven minutes later when Thanh Nam netted an equalizer for Khanh Hoa with a header from Tan Dat’s perfect pass.

Early goals promised a fast and exciting match; but both coaches knew how dangerous their opposite strikers were and began to play more cautiously.

Defenders on both sides were successful in stopping all attacking play, making few clear scoring chances for either team.

Khanh Hoa had one good chance when Xuan Phu confronted Da Nang’s goal, but he couldn’t defeat goalkeeper Xuan Nam.

Time was running out; but in the final minute, Da Nang’s Phuc Hiep received the ball in the penalty  box and volleyed instantly.

The ball was deflected by a Khanh Hoa defender and rolled into the net  out of reach of goalie Van Hung.

Hiep’s goal put Da Nang in the U.21 finals. The Da Nang team and fans cheered to celebrate the win while Khanh Hoa team and fans went home dejected.

Hiep was voted player  of the match for the important goal.

After the match, the organizers awarded bronze medals to the Khanh Hoa team and a cash prize of VND60 million (US$3,630) for third place.

“We were lucky to have the winning goal, but that makes football exciting,” Da Nang coach Phan Thanh Hung said.

“Both teams played well. Khanh Hoa players were very strong since they could stop most of our attacks. My players have gained confidence with this win to prepare for the finals,” Hung said.

Khanh Hoa Coach Nguyen Hong Quang said: “We were unlucky to lose in the final minute. It should have ended at the penalty  shootout. I should congratulate Da Nang’s win, anyway.”

Today, young players from HCMC and the Mekong Delta province of An Giang will battle it out in another semi at Quy Nhon Stadium for a place in the final against Da Nang.

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