In this match, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong continued to be absent. The responsibility to lead the play of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai is placed on the shoulders of experienced names such as Luong Xuan Truong, Tran Minh Vuong or Tu Nhan.
However, before the fierce and well-organized play of the home team, coach Nguyen Viet Thang's students faced many difficulties in deploying attacks.
A surprise happened very early when Quang Ninh had the opening goal in the 7th minute. From a long pass in their own half, the home team only needed three passes to put the ball into the penalty area. Long Nhat finished accurately, defeating goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong, putting Quang Ninh ahead 1-0.
After conceding a goal, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai pushed up the squad to find an equalizer and got what they needed in the 24th minute. From Tran Minh Vuong's free kick on the right wing, the ball was messy in the penalty area before center-back Tan Sinh quickly finished, equalizing the score 1-1.
In the remaining time of the match, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai controlled the ball more and made efforts to organize attacks. However, Luong Xuan Truong's coordinated passes or Minh Vuong and Tu Nhan's breakthroughs were not sharp enough to penetrate Quang Ninh's focused and disciplined defense.
In the end, the two teams drew 1-1. This result puts Truong Tuoi Dong Nai at risk of being narrowed in the gap by the opponents behind.
After 11 rounds, coach Nguyen Viet Thang's team still leads the rankings with 25 points, 6 points more than Bac Ninh and Khanh Hoa but has played one more match.
If Khanh Hoa wins against Thanh Nien TPHCM in the match on March 8, the gap will be narrowed and the confrontation between Khanh Hoa and Truong Tuoi Dong Nai on March 13 promises to become more attractive in the top group race.
