ACL 2021: Viettel puts five-goal hammering over Kaya

(photo credits: AFC.com)

Kaya FC-Iloilo found itself in the wrong side of a rout as Vietnamese champions Viettel FC deals them with a 5-0 beating in their second AFC Champions League group stage match earlier today at the Pathum Thani Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Looking to rebound from a heavy 4-1 defeat in the hands of Thai powerhouse BG Pathum United, Kaya were left shell-shocked by a quickfire start from their speedy opponents. The first goal has been conceded in just the 2nd minute as a searching ball from the Viettel backline dropped to Bui Tien Dung who served it to Nguyen Hoang Duc to slot it past Kaya goalkeeper Louie Casas. Five minutes later, Brazilian forward Caique doubled Viettel’s lead with a cool finish from Nguyen Trong Hoang’s through ball.

After falling to a two-goal deficit, Kaya tried to wrest control of the match and stabilize themselves but wasn’t able to get decent chances on goal with Kenshiro Daniels, Eric Giganto, and Daizo Horikoshi silenced by the Viettel defense spearheaded by goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh and defender Bui Tien Dung.

Viettel continued their domination in the second half and got a third goal from Tien Dung in the 49th minute as he converts a header from Trong Hoang. At 61 minutes, Caique pushed the Vietnamese club four up with another simple finish, getting to the end of a smooth through pass from Jahongir Abdumuminov.

To make matters worse four minutes later, substitute Vu Minh Tuan immediately made an impact off the bench for Viettel as he collected a pass from Tien Anh Truong and quickly found space to fire a fifth goal home, leaving Casas no chance.

Viettel failed to add a sixth goal as Duong Van Hao almost had sight of goal at 81 minutes, only to find his shot deflected by the Kaya defense. The Iloilo-based club tried to score a consolation goal in the final minutes of the match, with substitutes Jhan Melliza and Arnel Amita trying to force their way, but Tran along with the Viettel defense went on to stifle their last-ditch attacks.

Kaya’s ACL campaign will continue on July 2 (Friday), as they face reigning champions and K-League frontrunners Ulsan Hyundai FC.