Dong Thap escaped defeat thanks to red cards and foreign players

Dong Thap Club had a late draw in extra time against Xuan Thien Phu Tho Club in round 1 of the 2025-2026 National First Division which ended on the evening of September 20 in Cao Lanh.

John Cley scored a "breakthrough" goal at Cao Lanh Stadium in extra time - Photo: DU HAI

Coach Phan Thanh Binh had an unsatisfactory start when he was outclassed by the new National First Division team on the opening day. Dong Thap was lucky to equalize 1-1 in extra time.

The "rescue" goal for the home team at Cao Lanh Stadium was scored by foreign player Jhon Cley in the penalty area in the 90+2 minute. This was the first goal of the former foreign player of the Hanoi Police Club.

Dong Thap Club was led by Xuan Thien Phu Tho from the 20th minute. After a run without the ball, Hoang Minh Tuan chipped the ball past goalkeeper Nhat Truong in front of an open goal.

For the remaining 70 minutes, the home team pressed coach Le Quoc Vuong and his team, but Cley and Vo Nhat Tan's shots were inaccurate. Then, the turning point came in the 65th minute.

Xuan Thien Phu Tho player Dang Ngoc Duc received two yellow cards close together and had to leave the field when the referee indirectly showed him a red card. The away team held on with 10 men until they were leveled at 1-1.

1 consolation point for Dong Thap Club. Jhon Cley made Dong Thap audiences somewhat excited after 9 years this land did not have any foreign players playing professionally.

Meanwhile, Coach Quoc Vuong regretted losing the victory at the last minute. Such a debut match in the First Division was not too bad for the team that had just changed its name in early September.

Ngoc Duc (number 88) received the first red card - Photo: DU HAI

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dong-thap-thoat-thua-nho-the-do-va-ngoai-binh-20250920192752447.htm