*Goals: Minh Vuong 2', Van Khoa 58', Cong Phuong 85'

On the afternoon of 16/5, Cong Phuong was fit enough to return to the bench as Dong Nai hosted Van Hien University. In the 78th minute, coach Nguyen Viet Thang brought him onto the field, replacing forward Dinh Thanh Binh. The former HAGL forward took only 7 minutes to make his mark, scoring with a powerful free-kick that curled over the wall and into the top corner of Van Hien University's net, securing a 3-0 victory for the home team.

Cong Phuong scored from a free-kick against Van Hien University in Truong Tuoi Dong Nai's 3-0 victory in round 19 of the 2025-2026 First Division, on the evening of 16/5 at Dong Xoai Stadium. *Photo: Binh Le*

Earlier, Tran Minh Vuong opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, also from a free-kick outside the penalty area. In the 58th minute, Duong Van Khoa tapped in from close range to make it 2-0.

With second-placed Bac Ninh held to a 2-2 draw by Khanh Hoa, this afternoon's 3-0 victory gives Dong Nai a 5-point lead over their rivals. With only three rounds remaining in the season, promotion is almost certainly secured for Cong Phuong and his teammates.

Cong Phuong was injured, missing all of Dong Nai's matches in the First Division and National Cup during the early 2025-2026 season. He returned to play in round 8 on 31/1, scoring in a 3-1 victory against Khanh Hoa. However, the forward then re-injured himself, sidelining him for 11 rounds.

Cong Phuong joined Dong Nai (formerly Binh Phuoc) at the start of the 2024-2025 season on a three-year contract. The forward, born in 1995, has played 17 matches for Dong Nai, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists. He helped the team finish second in the First Division, earning a play-off spot against Da Nang, who finished 13th in V-League. However, in the play-off match on 27/6/2025, Cong Phuong missed a penalty, leading to Dong Nai's 0-2 defeat and missing out on promotion.

After missing out on promotion, Dong Nai was offered a special slot to play in the V-League this season due to Quang Nam withdrawing. However, club owner Pham Huong Son declined, stating he wanted the team to earn promotion on merit. Consequently, the team reinvested, bringing in coach Nguyen Viet Thang and his associates, including Nguyen Quang Hai, Le Phuoc Tu, Truong Dinh Luat, among others. Dong Nai also recruited a host of stars such as Luong Xuan Truong, Tran Minh Vuong, Nguyen Huu Tuan, Duong Van Khoa, Le Van Son, Ho Thanh Minh.

After 19 rounds, the team has won 13 matches, drawn 5, and lost one, accumulating 44 points. In the remaining three rounds, Nguyen Viet Thang's side will only face weaker opponents such as TP HCM, Long An, and Phu Tho. Therefore, the team is likely to secure promotion one round early, on 30/5.

By Duc Dong