Cong Phuong's goal was not counted.

Cong Phuong photo 1

Cong Phuong has a pretty good feel for the ball after returning from injury.

The Binh Phuoc stadium became the focal point of the First Division league as Dong Nai hosted Khanh Hoa in a match that would decide the top spot, as the two teams were separated by only one point. The intensity of the clash was further heightened by the much-anticipated return of Cong Phuong, after a long absence due to injury.

Since the start of the season, Cong Phuong hasn't played a single minute due to injury. However, he has recovered and had a perfect start to the season.

In fact, Cong Phuong consistently scored and assisted in Dong Nai Club's friendly matches, demonstrating good physical condition and ball control. And he proved that with a shot that helped Dong Nai equalize against Khanh Hoa .

Immediately after the opening whistle, the visiting team caused a shock by taking an early lead. In the 4th minute, from a quick counter-attack, Khanh Dung delivered an accurate cross for Ha Minh Duc to rush in and tap the ball into the net from close range, opening the scoring for Khanh Hoa.

Having conceded an early goal, Dong Nai pushed their formation higher and gradually took control of the game. Despite superior ball control, the home team still had to be wary of their opponents' sharp counter-attacks.

In the 14th minute, Dong Nai's efforts were rewarded. Cong Phuong confidently dribbled the ball before unleashing a shot; the ball deflected off a Khanh Hoa defender's foot and flew into the net, equalizing the score at 1-1. However, because the ball changed direction after hitting the defender, the goal was not credited to Cong Phuong by the organizers but was counted as an own goal.

In the 32nd minute, Dong Nai had a chance to take the lead when Cong Phuong earned a free kick in a favorable position. However, Minh Vuong's skillful shot narrowly missed the target. The two teams went into halftime with the score tied.

Cong Phuong, photo 2

Dong Nai continues to maintain its unbeaten record since the beginning of the season.

In his debut match of the season, Cong Phuong only featured in the starting lineup for 45 minutes before being substituted to make way for Le Thanh Binh.

After the break, Dong Nai continuously pressed forward but were met with Khanh Hoa's disciplined defense. It wasn't until the 75th minute that Dong Nai broke the deadlock with a moment of brilliance from Doan Hai Quan. From outside the penalty area, the midfielder unleashed a perfect half-volley, sending the ball on an extremely difficult trajectory to give the home team a 2-1 lead.

As Khanh Hoa were forced to push forward in search of an equalizer, Dong Nai delivered the decisive blow in the 85th minute. Le Thanh Binh unexpectedly scored from an extremely tight angle, sealing a 3-1 victory with a spectacular goal, concluding an emotional comeback.

This result helps Dong Nai widen the gap with Khanh Hoa to 4 points in the race for promotion to the V.League this season. After 8 rounds, Cong Phuong and his teammates maintain an unbeaten record with 6 wins.