Khanh Hoa FC struggle to survive relegation battle

With 9 points behind Song Lam Nghe An, who are ranking 1 place above  them, Khanh Hoa FC have a very small chance of staying up V.League 1 even though the tournament still has 7 rounds left. Khanh Hoa FC can still reach the play-off if they earn at least 12 points in the remaining 7 rounds and Song Lam Nghe An lose all their matches. This is likely impossible. 

Match between Khanh Hoa FC and The Cong - Viettel in the first leg (Source: VPF)

This is the worst V.League 1 season of Khanh Hoa FC ever with only 2 wins, 13 losses, 14 scored goals, and 32 conceded goals (goal difference of -18). In the 2019 season, Khanh Hoa FC also faced a lot of financial difficulties and had poor form, which resulting in their relegation to the National First League (LS V.League 2). However, that season, Khanh Hoa FC players made a very commendable effort and ended the season on 25 points (6 wins, 7 draws, 13 losses), just 1 point behind Dong A Thanh Hoa, who successfully survived the season.

This season, V.League 1 still has 7 rounds left, but there is almost no chance for Khanh Hoa FC to earn points for the play-off, especially after they lost to Song Lam Nghe An in the "reverse final" in round 19 a few days ago. With the stretch of 5 losses in a row, 12 consecutive matches without a win and their recent poor performance on Vinh Stadium, it can be said that there is almost no hope Khanh Hoa FC to stay up this season. It will be very difficult for Khanh Hoa FC to win against the remaining opponents namely The Cong-Viettel, Merry land Quy Nhon-Binh Dinh, Hanoi, Dong A Thanh Chemistry, etc. 

In round 20, Khanh Hoa FC receive The Cong – Viettel at 19-8 Nha Trang Stadium. The possibility of the home team scoring against the visitors is also very low, although Khanh Hoa FC managed to have a goalless draw on Hang Day Stadium in the first leg. Besides, The Cong – Viettel have regained their good form after the first leg. They got 11 points after 6 rounds of the return leg, nearly equal to their points in the first leg (13 points), helping them to escape the relegation zone and place 9th on the rankings. 

This is expected to be another tough match for Khanh Hoa FC.

An Nhien
Translated by H.N