Ninh Binh thrives despite match-fixing probe

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnamese club Vissai Ninh Binh continued its strong results in the AFC Cup on Tuesday despite being under investigation for match-fixing, having withdrawn from its domestic league and being forced to play untried youngsters.

Having already secured top spot in Group G of Asia's second-tier international competition, Ninh Binh won 4-1 at Myanmar's Yangon United even though ten of its 15-man squad were young local players.

Most of the original squad has left the club due to ongoing investigations by police and the Vietnam Football Federation into alleged match-fixing which came to light earlier this month.

The club has pulled out of the V League, and the Asian Football Confederation said it is awaiting the outcome of the investigations before deciding whether Ninh Binh can stay in the AFC Cup.