Vietnamese striker Nguyen Cong Phuong delivered a stellar performance, scoring both goals to secure a 2-0 victory for Binh Phuoc over Khanh Hoa in the second round of the National First Division. This victory lifts Binh Phuoc to second in the standings, sharing four points and a +2 goal difference with leaders Hue but trailing in total goals scored.
Cong Phuong’s first appearance in the season’s opener was subdued as Binh Phuoc played out a 0-0 draw against Hoa Binh. Returning to home turf, he initially struggled to find his form, remaining quiet throughout the first half. Positioned in his preferred attacking midfielder role, he took charge of set-pieces, including seven free kicks and corners, but none created significant threats.
Both teams grappled with the challenging conditions in the first half, marked by heavy rain and a waterlogged pitch. The adverse weather delayed the match start by an hour, and, once underway, continued rain hindered the flow of play. With passing difficult, players resorted to high balls to navigate the sodden field.
However, the pace picked up in the second half, and Cong Phuong found the breakthrough in the 57th minute in what seemed like a stroke of fortune. His shot from outside the penalty area deflected off a defender, changing direction to wrong-foot goalkeeper Vo Ngoc Cuong, who could not prevent the ball from finding the net. This marked Cong Phuong’s first goal for Binh Phuoc in the National First Division this season.
Khanh Hoa responded by pushing forward, creating a lively end-to-end contest. Yet, their momentum was disrupted in the 83rd minute when Duong Doan Cong Hau received a second yellow card, reducing them to ten men. With a numerical advantage, Binh Phuoc regained control, orchestrating a 4-on-1 counterattack in the 88th minute. Cong Phuong set up teammate Hoang Duong, who missed a clear opportunity, shooting wide of an open goal. As his teammates struggled to capitalize, Cong Phuong stepped up once again, breaking into the penalty area, sidestepping two defenders, and sealing the win with a precise strike in stoppage time.
Born in 1995, Cong Phuong is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated players to emerge from the HAGL Arsenal JMG Academy, alongside contemporaries such as Nguyen Van Toan, Nguyen Tuan Anh, and Luong Xuan Truong. He has represented Vietnam at the U19, U22, U23, and senior national levels, playing a key role in Vietnam’s silver-medal finish at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship and their AFF Cup triumph later that year. Known for his experience abroad, he has played on loan for clubs like Mito Hollyhock in Japan, Incheon United in South Korea, and Sint-Truiden in Belgium, as well as Yokohama FC, although his playing time overseas was limited.
Ahead of the 2024/2025 season, Cong Phuong returned to Vietnam to join Binh Phuoc. He made a strong start in the domestic scene, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Ho Chi Minh FC youth team in the National Cup, helping Binh Phuoc advance in the competition.
With the win over Khanh Hoa, Binh Phuoc’s impressive early season places them second in the league standings. They will look to continue their upward trajectory as Cong Phuong brings his skills and experience to bolster the team’s quest for promotion in the National First Division.
Leave a Reply