Truong Tuoi Dong Nai secured a crucial 3-1 victory against Khanh Hoa, solidifying their position at the top of the First Division League table. The match, held on the afternoon of 31/1 at Dong Xoai Stadium, saw the return of key forward Nguyen Cong Phuong, whose involvement proved pivotal in the home team's success.

Cong Phuong's return followed a period of injury sustained while training with the Vietnam national team for the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. He left the squad for treatment at his club, subsequently missing all of Dong Nai's early-season matches in both the First Division League and the National Cup during the 2025-2026 season.

The match against Khanh Hoa was a highly anticipated fixture, pitting the top two teams against each other. Dong Nai entered the game leading the standings with 17 points, while Khanh Hoa trailed closely with 16 points, making the outcome significant for both sides' promotion aspirations.

Despite a balanced squad and high determination, Dong Nai conceded an early goal in the 3rd minute. Ha Minh Duc of Khanh Hoa capitalized on a close-range opportunity, tapping the ball into the net to give the visitors an unexpected lead.

Cong Phuong's effort to cross the ball inside led to a Khanh Hoa player scoring an own goal in Dong Nai's 3-1 victory in round 8 of the First Division League on the afternoon of 31/1 at Dong Xoai Stadium, Dong Nai. Photo: Anh Binh

Dong Nai, determined to achieve promotion this season after their play-off loss to Da Nang last year, intensified their attacks. In the 14th minute, Cong Phuong broke the offside trap to receive a long pass. His subsequent low cross deflected off defender Tran Dinh Bao and into the net, leveling the score at 1-1.

The home team continued to press after the equalizer but found further goals elusive. Due to fitness concerns, Cong Phuong was substituted at the start of the second half, with Le Thanh Binh taking his place. Dong Nai's attack created many opportunities, but shots from Xuan Truong and Alex Sandro were denied by Khanh Hoa goalkeeper Ngoc Manh's diving saves.

Despite Ngoc Manh's excellent performance, Khanh Hoa's defense was breached again in the 76th minute by a spectacular goal from Doan Hai Quan. After a defender cleared the ball from the penalty area, Hai Quan struck a dangerous volley that looped over the goalkeeper's head and into the net, giving Dong Nai a 2-1 lead. Coach Nguyen Viet Thang on the sideline raised both hands in disbelief, seemingly unable to comprehend the beautiful strike.

The victory was sealed in the 85th minute when Le Thanh Binh, breaking free down the right wing inside the penalty area, fired a decisive shot from a tight angle past Ngoc Manh, securing a 3-1 win for the home team.

Doan Hai Quan, the scorer of the spectacular goal, recently transferred from TP HCM Club to Dong Nai, making this his debut match in front of the Dong Xoai audience. "The goal was lucky because I didn't think I could strike it like that," he shared after the match. "It was my first game, so I felt indescribable. We are determined to get promoted, so securing these three points is very valuable."

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai (formerly Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc) finished second in the First Division League last season before losing 0-2 to Da Nang in the play-off for a V-League spot. They were later offered a wildcard entry to replace Quang Nam, who withdrew from the league, but they declined, preferring to earn promotion based on their own merit.

With an additional three points from this victory, Dong Nai solidified their top position with 20 points, extending their lead over Khanh Hoa to 4 points.

Duc Dong