Former U23 Vietnam goalie likely to join Hanoi for AFC Cup’s second leg

Former U23 Vietnam goalkeeper Phi Minh Long is likely to join Hanoi FC for the second leg final of AFC Cup inter-zonal 2019.

In the first leg, Hanoi FC goalkeeper Van Cong suffered a serious injury in a strong collision with a North Korean opponent in the 30th minute, forcing coach Chu Dinh Nghiem to send Bui Tien Dung to the pitch.

The initial medical examination showed that the 27-year-old player has sustained a serious thigh injury, which is expected to take 2 weeks to recover. He will be absent for the second leg.

The V-League champions promptly applied a visa for Phi Minh Long to travel to North Korea for the match next week. The club previously applied visas only for Van Cong and backup goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung.

Phi Minh Long, 24, was trained in U19 Vietnam alongside Cong Phuong, Xuan Truong, and Van Toan.

His career has declined since SEA Games 2017 with a poor performance in Malaysia. He remains the last choice of Hanoi coach, after Van Cong and the younger Bui Tien Dung.

Long’s chances are somewhat better this time, though. In experience and skills, he is as good as Bui Tien Dung, who showed inconsistent form in the match last night.

After a  2-2 draw  in the first leg, Hanoi FC and North Korea SC will play the second leg match in Pyongyang on October 2. The Hanoi club must win or at least draw 3-3 to get to the next round.