Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) defeated defending champions Binh Dinh 4-2 on penalty kicks in the second semifinal game of the Thanh Nien-sponsored National U21 Football Championship on Friday in Danang City.

Following a 2-2 draw during the official 90 minutes of the match, HAGL excelled with a 4-2 victory after penalty kicks.

HAGL took the lead after two early goals by Tang Tuan. Binh Dinh leveled the game 2-2 in the games last minute after shortening the gap to 2-1 in the last minute of the first half.

HAGL will now clash with Tien Giang in the series final game on October 8. Binh Dinh and the other semifinal loser Nam Dinh were given bronze medals and VND30 million (US$1,880) each.

In related news, the Central Committee of Sports and Physical Training on Thursday decided to award a certificate of merit to the Vietnam Youth Union and Thanh Nien newspaper for organizing the youth football competition for the last ten years.

The award ceremony will be held on Sunday in Danangs Chi Lang stadium, just before the final games kickoff.

Reported by Quang Huy, Quang Tuyen Translated by Minh Phat