On the afternoon of 30/5 at Dong Xoai Stadium, Dong Nai needed a victory against Long An in the penultimate round of the First Division to secure promotion, regardless of other results. The crucial nature of the match drew tens of thousands of fans, filling the stadium. Numerous local officials and representatives from the Vietnam Football Federation were also present. A large stage, complete with a championship trophy and fireworks, was prepared for the celebration.

After 21 rounds, Dong Nai accumulated 50 points from 15 wins, one loss, and five draws. They secured the championship with a game to spare, finishing five points ahead of second-placed Bac Ninh.

Forward Nguyen Cong Phuong celebrates scoring Dong Nai's third goal in their 3-0 victory over Long An during round 21 of the 2025-2026 First Division, on the afternoon of 30/5 at Dong Xoai Stadium, Dong Nai. *Photo: Duc Dong*

Facing Long An, who were near the bottom of the league, Dong Nai controlled the game. Midfielders Luong Xuan Truong, Tran Minh Vuong, Luu Tu Nhan, and forward Le Thanh Binh created opportunities. Despite their dominance, the home team could not break the deadlock in the first half. Key players, including Cong Phuong and Ho Thanh Minh, remained on the bench.

After halftime, coach Nguyen Viet Thang introduced both Cong Phuong and Ho Thanh Minh. This significantly boosted Dong Nai's attacking power. In the 51st minute, a Long An player handled the ball in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for the home side. Foreign player Alex Sandro converted the spot-kick, opening the scoring.

In the 64th minute, Cong Phuong delivered a corner kick that Luong Xuan Truong headed in from close range, doubling the lead to 2-0. Just two minutes later, Cong Phuong himself broke free, faced the goalkeeper, and calmly finished to seal the 3-0 victory.

A heavy downpour began just as the final whistle blew, but it did not dampen the home team's promotion celebrations. Fireworks lit up the sky as fans streamed onto the pitch to celebrate with the players.

A year after their playoff loss to Da Nang, Dong Nai realized their promotion dream. To achieve this, the club, under owner Pham Huong Son, declined a "gifted" promotion spot when Quang Nam dissolved. Instead, they chose to invest in and restructure the team, from the coaching staff to the players.

This marks the first time in the history of Binh Phuoc (formerly) that a team has earned a spot in Vietnam's top football league. Meanwhile, Dong Nai football makes its return to the V-League after an 11-year absence.

Duc Dong