After a long period of injury treatment, Cong Phuong was put on the starting lineup by coach Nguyen Viet Thang for the first time this season.
However, the home team did not enter the game as expected when they conceded early. In the 3rd minute, from a quick counter-attack on the right wing, Tran Khanh Dung crossed favorably for Ha Minh Duc to rush in and finish close range, opening the score for Khanh Hoa.
The early goal conceded forced Truong Tuoi Dong Nai to push up the squad. Cong Phuong played actively, often moved wide, created space and participated in attacking situations.
In the 14th minute, the striker born in 1995 broke the offside trap, controlled the ball neatly and then finished with his left foot. The ball touched defender Tran Dinh Bao's foot and changed direction to go into the net. Although the goal was determined to be an own goal, Cong Phuong's mark in this situation is very clear.
In the remaining part of the first half, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai controlled the game, creating many dangerous opportunities. Cong Phuong continuously stirred up Khanh Hoa's defense with dribbling and finishing moves, forcing the opponent to foul to stop it. However, inaccuracy at the final stage prevented the home team from taking the lead.
In the second half, coach Nguyen Viet Thang decided to substitute Cong Phuong to ensure fitness, and put Le Thanh Binh on the field. However, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai still maintained great pressure.
In the 49th minute, Xuan Truong tried his luck with a long-range shot forcing goalkeeper Ngoc Manh to fly to save. A few minutes later, foreign player Alex Sandro continued to make the away team's goal wobble.
The turning point came in the 60th minute when coach Nguyen Viet Thang substituted 3 young, energetic players. This adjustment quickly took effect.
In the 75th minute, Doan Hai Quan - a newcomer of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai - launched a decisive volley from outside the penalty area, sending the ball straight into the net in the helplessness of the Khanh Hoa goalkeeper, increasing the score to 2-1.
In the 85th minute, Le Thanh Binh took advantage of the space in the penalty area, finishing from a narrow angle, sealing a 3-1 victory for the home team.
This result helps Truong Tuoi Dong Nai continue to lead the rankings with 20 points after 8 rounds, while widening the gap with Khanh Hoa to 4 points.
