SINGAPORE – He opened the scoring for Home United less than three minutes from kick-off in their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup clash against Than Quang Ninh.

It was a dream start that quickly went south for the S.League side though, as their Vietnamese opponents hit back to take a 2-1 half-time lead.

But Song Ui-young would have the final say on Tuesday night (March 14) at the Jalan Besar Stadium, smashing in a stunning late goal to complete a 3-2 comeback victory.

The South Korean midfielder was all smiles post-game after scoring his first goals of the season, though he insisted it was more important that his brace sealed their first win in their second Group H match.

“If I can help the team win, I am happy,” he said. “Coach (Aidil Sharin) told me at half-time that if I get the ball in the second half, I should try to shoot and attack more.

“I really wanted to win this match, so that gave me more motivation. I am really happy to get (all) the points!”

When pointed out that both strikes – a clinical one-on-one finish and a 20-yard thunderbolt – were from his supposed weaker left foot, he said with a chuckle: “No, no, both my feet are equally strong!”

Aidil was also in a good mood after witnessing a spirited comeback from his charges, who conceded twice in eight minutes after Song broke the deadlock.

Nghiem Xuan Tu’s pinpoint cross was powerfully headed past Hassan Sunny in the Home goal by Patiyo Tambwe on 33 minutes, before captain Vu Minh Tuan glided past his marker on 41 minutes to lash home from a tight angle.

“We took the lead but after that, we didn’t play well,” said Aidil, who had seen Home lose their first game away to Myanmar champions Yadanarbon FC three weeks ago.

“At half-time, I told the boys this was a home game and we couldn’t afford to lose. I think the boys showed great team spirit and they really wanted it (after that). I have to give them credit for giving everything until the final whistle.”

Faris Ramli had restored parity on 57 minutes for Home, who turned up the heat after emerging from the tunnel.

Song then saw a fierce effort from range tipped onto the bar on the hour mark, though Mac Hong Quan did likewise two minutes later as Quang Ninh served a reminder of their threat on the counter-attack.

Hong Quan’s dismissal for a second yellow card with 15 minutes of regulation time left turned the tide in Home’s favour, though they must have thought it was not going to be their day when substitute Marijan Suto nodded Juma’at Jantan’s cross off the bar with the goal gaping on 81 minutes.

But when a loose ball fell into Song’s path outside the box five minutes later, he unleashed a perfect rocket into the top right corner to spark wild celebrations from his team-mates.

Quang Ninh coach Phan Thanh Hung congratulated Home on the victory, but lamented the costly red card for his side.

“This is the first time we are in the AFC Cup and we had our chances to win this game, but defensive mistakes cost us,” he said. “I (also) think the second yellow card (for Hong Quan) was not fair.”

Even though defeat left them at the bottom of the group on one point after two games, behind second-placed Home (three points) and leaders Yadanarbon (four points), he insisted they would not give up.

“I think everyone still has a chance,” Thang Hung asserted.

Aidil shared the same sentiments, noting Home are in a strong position to top the group and seal automatic qualification for the next round.

“This win will definitely give us a boost when we play (them) away,” he said. “Now we have a good chance (to progress) in the AFC Cup.”