AFC Champions League: Haiphong snatch late equaliser before putting BC Rangers to sword in dramatic victory
- Hong Kong side were two minutes from winning on debut in continental competition after Kanda Yumemi’s first-half wonder goal
- But Tuan Anh Nguyen levelled late and visitors run out 4-1 victors at Mong Kok Stadium
BC Rangers’ AFC Champions League hopes were cruelly extinguished on Tuesday night after Haiphong FC struck late to cancel out Kanda Yumemi’s first-half wonder goal – before adding three extra-time goals.
The Hong Kong team, making their debut in the competition, looked set to survive a wave of late pressure until substitute Jean-Jacques Kilama bundled over visiting striker Yuri Mamute in the box.
Goalkeeper Leung Hing-kit saved Mamute’s kick but substitute Tuan Anh Nguyen lashed home the rebound.
Mamute, returning after missing his side’s past three games with a muscle strain, beat Hing-kit with a header – despite the keeper getting a hefty touch – after 108 minutes.
And the forward nodded home again with four minutes remaining after Bicou Bissainthe burst to the byline to cross. Mamute’s goals sandwiched a header into an empty net from Martin Lo, quick to react when the ball bounced up invitingly after Ho Minh Di’s 18-yard drive clattered the underside of the bar.
It had earlier appeared as though Rangers would spend the next week counting their blessings over Kanda’s summer change of heart.