Before the match, Ha Tinh was considered superior thanks to their stable performance in the V.League, with 2 wins in the last 3 rounds. However, the regulation that each V.League team can only use one foreign player when meeting the first-place team makes it difficult for the away team to deploy their playing style. In that context, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai took the initiative, ready to press and create situations that caused significant pressure.
In the 27th minute, the home team took the lead after a smooth combination of 3 former Hoang Anh Gia Lai players. Van Son moved quickly on the right wing, passing back to the second line for Xuan Truong. Despite the lack of momentum, this midfielder still managed to make an accurate cross for Minh Vuong to control and launch a volley to open the score. The goal helped Truong Tuoi Dong Nai play more confidently in the rest of the first half.
The second half witnessed Ha Tinh's strong attack efforts. The away team focuses on exploiting high-profile and set-piece situations. In the 61st minute, from Tan Tai's free kick, Atshimene headed the ball close to the goal but goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong reacted brilliantly to save the goal. Ha Tinh's constant pressure forced the home team's defense to operate continuously, but still maintained their concentration.
In a pressured situation, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai unexpectedly increased the gap in the 69th minute. Ho Thanh Minh had a smart pass, eliminating all the away team's defense for Alex Sandro to escape and shoot decisively, sealing a 2-0 victory.
The victory helped Truong Tuoi Dong Nai enter the quarter-finals of the National Cup for the first time in many years. Notably, this is also the second consecutive match that this team has defeated the V.League representative in the National Cup, before that, they beat Becamex Ho Chi Minh City 3-1 in the qualifying round. With disciplined play and the ability to take advantage of opportunities well, coach Nguyen Viet Thang and his team are becoming a notable phenomenon of the National Cup this season.
