First Division title contenders avoid defeat in their first match.

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC was fortunate to salvage a point after a draw against PVF-CAND Youth in Round 9 of the 2025-2026 First Division League.

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Club (white jerseys) in the draw against PVF-CAND Youth - Photo: PVF-CAND Youth

On the evening of February 8th, title contender Truong Tuoi Dong Nai played an away match against PVF-CAND Youth Club in Round 9 of the 2025-2026 First Division League.

Coach Nguyen Viet Thang did not have his best squad available for this match as both of his key strikers were absent. Cong Phuong suffered a recurrence of his injury in the previous win against Khanh Hoa FC, while Luu Tu Nhan, last season's top scorer, was suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.

This is also the reason why Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC played ineffectively for most of the match; despite still having many notable attacking stars such as Minh Vuong, Xuan Truong, Le Thanh Binh, and Alex Sandro....

Meanwhile, PVF-CAND Youth Club, despite fielding seven players under 23 years old, still caused many difficulties for the visiting team. This included the opening goal in the 57th minute thanks to center-back Nguyen Tien Dinh following a corner kick.

In the 69th minute, the home team almost took a 2-0 lead if striker Hoang Anh had capitalized on his opportunity better.

Unwilling to accept defeat, coach Viet Thang made a series of substitutions in search of a goal. Among them, newcomer Doan Hai Quan came on and scored from a free kick in the 77th minute, equalizing the score at 1-1 for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC. This was Hai Quan's second goal in two consecutive matches for his new team.

In the remaining minutes, PVF-CAND Youth Club had two clear scoring opportunities. However, striker Joseph missed both chances after dribbling the ball into the penalty area, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

With this result, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Club continues to lead the 2025-2026 First Division League with 21 points after 9 matches, 4 points ahead of the second-placed team, Ho Chi Minh City Club. PVF-CAND Youth Club is in 7th place with 11 points.

NGUYEN KHOI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ung-vien-vo-dich-giai-hang-nhat-thoat-thua-tran-dau-tien-20260208205759077.htm