Dong Nai beat Ha Tinh 2-0, but Cong Phuong was still absent.
Without Cong Phuong, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai defeated Ha Tinh 2-0 in the Round of 16 of the National Cup; goals: Minh Vuong 27', Alex Sandro 70', assists: Xuan Truong, Ho Thanh Minh.
Truong Tuoi Dong Nai caused a sensation at Binh Phuoc Stadium by defeating Ha Tinh 2-0 in the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 National Cup, despite continuing to be without Nguyen Cong Phuong. The striker had returned to training after injury, but the coaching staff did not risk including him in the matchday squad. Goals from Minh Vuong (27') and Alex Sandro (70') secured the team's place in the next round under coach Nguyen Viet Thang.
The crucial moment
The turning point came in the 70th minute: Dong Nai launched a sharp counter-attack, Ho Thanh Minh broke through and set up Alex Sandro to double the lead. This goal not only consolidated the advantage but also thwarted Ha Tinh's efforts to find a goal for most of the second half.
Main developments
Earlier, the match was decided in the 27th minute. Minh Vương – a player in excellent goal-scoring form – finished subtly after a well-placed assist from Xuân Trường, opening the scoring at 1-0. In the second half, Đồng Nai maintained a tight formation, patiently waiting for opportunities to change the game. When Hà Tĩnh pushed forward, Hồ Thanh Minh delivered the decisive pass for Alex Sandro to seal the 2-0 victory in the 70th minute.
Tactics and key points
- Cohesive play: Dong Nai maintained good spacing between lines, limited space in front of the goal, and minimized errors in the final third of the field.
- Effective counter-attacks: Both goals came from quick transitions, showcasing precision in decisive passes and off-ball movement.
- Resilient defense: Keeping a clean sheet against Ha Tinh's pressure to equalize, demonstrating stability even without their strongest lineup.
- The players are adapting well: Besides Minh Vương's form, the quick integration of Lưu Tự Nhân and the new players gives coach Nguyễn Việt Thắng more options.
Match information
| Ring | Yard | Score | Score a goal | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 8 of the 2025/26 National Cup | Binh Phuoc | Dong Nai 2-0 Ha Tinh | Minh Vương 27', Alex Sandro 70' | Xuan Truong, Ho Thanh Minh |
Reaction and context
Before the match, Dong Nai FC posted a picture of Cong Phuong with the message: "Is anyone waiting for the return of captain Nguyen Cong Phuong?", showing the team's positive spirit and that the striker's comeback was not far off. Despite the absence of their attacking leader, the team's collective performance was still convincing enough to overcome Ha Tinh.
Impact and the road ahead
The victory further solidified Dong Nai's momentum. With Minh Vuong's form, Luu Tu Nhan's integration, and the new recruits, Coach Nguyen Viet Thang's team is becoming a formidable opponent. Cong Phuong is expected to return to play soon in the upcoming rounds of the 2025/26 First Division League once his fitness recovers, and his presence is expected to complete the attacking line alongside Minh Vuong and Tu Nhan, thereby opening up opportunities to compete for promotion to the V.League next season.