Credit : Bernama Images
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) – KL City FC’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) came to an agonizing end after a 3-2 defeat to Cong An Ha Noi (CAHN) FC of Vietnam in a heated Group B encounter at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium.
A High-Octane Clash
The match began with CAHN taking the lead in the 10th minute when Nguyen Quan Hai capitalized on an early chance to break through KL City’s defense. Undeterred, KL City mounted a spirited response as Adrijan Rudovic headed home a perfectly delivered corner from Paulo Josue in the 24th minute to equalize.
Spurred by the equalizer, KL City surged ahead in the 32nd minute, with Paulo Josue turning goal scorer. His header, assisted by a cross from Jovan Motika, sent the home fans into wild celebrations.
Second-Half Setback
CAHN returned from the halftime break with renewed intensity, leveling the game in the 68th minute. Bui Hoang Viet Anh found the back of the net with a clinical header, silencing the boisterous home crowd.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 76th minute when KL City’s defender, Mohamad Kamal Azizi Mohamad Zabr, received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle, reducing the home side to 10 men. Just 12 minutes later, skipper Paulo Josue followed suit after picking up a second booking, leaving KL City with only nine players to defend their position.
Late Heartbreak
CAHN capitalized on their numerical advantage in injury time. Striker Le Van Do delivered the decisive blow, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Vietnamese side and securing their place at the top of Group B with 12 points.
Impact on Group B Standings
The loss dropped KL City to fourth place in Group B, with six points from their campaign. In contrast, CAHN’s win guaranteed their ticket to the semi-finals. This result highlights the competitiveness of the group, as the battle for semi-final spots intensified with other Group B fixtures influencing the final standings.
A Look Back and Ahead
KL City’s defeat comes amidst a challenging run in regional tournaments, where player discipline and defensive lapses have often proved costly. Their red card woes in this match mirrored previous struggles, underlining an area requiring urgent attention if they are to make an impact in future competitions.
With this loss, KL City FC’s focus will shift to local competitions and rebuilding their squad morale. Fans will be eager to see how the team addresses the gaps exposed in this tournament to emerge stronger in upcoming fixtures.
The ASEAN Club Championship now moves into its semi-final stage, with CAHN and other advancing teams gearing up for the decisive battles ahead. For KL City, it’s a bitter end to a campaign that promised much but delivered heartbreak.
