National Cup semifinals to be played behind closed doors

After four tense and exciting quarter-final matches, the four semi-finalists have been determined, including Hanoi FC, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh Coal and Viettel FC.

As scheduled, the first semi-final clash between Quang Ninh Coal and Viettel FC will take place at Cam Pha Stadium (Quang Ninh) at 6pm tomorrow, while the other between Hanoi FC and HCM City will be underway at Hang Day Stadium (Hanoi) at 7.15pm on the same day.

On September 15, representatives from the two host clubs confirmed that both semi-final games would be played behind closed doors to ensure safety in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, in the quarterfinals, Ba Ria-Vung Tau vs HCM City was the only clash played with fans in the stands (a maximum of 5,000).

The Hanoi FC vs HCM City match is considered an "early title decider" of the National Cup 2020 as the two sides possess many stars of Vietnamese football as well as quality foreign players.

Hanoi FC have beaten their southern rivals away twice this season, clinching a 2-1 win in the National Super Cup match in March and a 3-0 victory on Matchday 11 of V.League four months later.

HCM City will lack star striker Nguyen Cong Phuong (two yellow cards) and midfielder Vo Huy Toan (injured) for their trip to Hang Day Stadium on Wednesday.

(Source: NDO)