In a low-profile performance, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong failed to make an impact as Binh Phuoc defeated Youth Ho Chi Minh FC 1-0 in the third round of the 2024-2025 First Division on November 10. Despite previously scoring the only goal to help Binh Phuoc beat Youth Ho Chi Minh FC in the National Cup, Cong Phuong’s reunion with his former club at Thong Nhat Stadium fell flat, ending with his substitution in the 77th minute.
The 1995-born striker, who scored a brace in Binh Phuoc’s 2-0 win over Khanh Hoa in Round 2, was anticipated to shine on his return to Thong Nhat, where he once played for Ho Chi Minh City FC in the V-League. However, Youth Ho Chi Minh FC defenders closely marked Cong Phuong, limiting his space and hindering his influence on the game. In the 39th minute, visibly frustrated, he briefly left the pitch to discuss tactics with coach Nguyen Anh Duc, his former national teammate.
Contrary to the visitors’ disjointed play, Youth Ho Chi Minh FC displayed cohesion and nearly took the lead in the 2nd minute. Van Son’s header found the net, but the linesman raised the flag for a controversial offside call. With no VAR available in the First Division, the decision stood.
The home side dominated the first half, applying consistent pressure but unable to convert their opportunities. The match turned in the second half as Binh Phuoc pushed forward. In the 47th minute, a long throw-in created confusion in Youth Ho Chi Minh FC’s penalty area, allowing Le Thanh Binh to head in the opener – his first goal in over a year.
Cong Phuong’s best chance came in the 61st minute when he received a precise pass from Le Van Nam inside the box but fired over the crossbar. Continued close marking limited his effectiveness, and he left the field looking disappointed when substituted in the 77th minute.
Binh Phuoc, aiming for promotion, has bolstered its squad with notable V-League players such as Tan Truong, Huynh Tan Sinh, Sam Ngoc Duc, and Le Thanh Binh. Despite their depth, they struggled to outclass Youth Ho Chi Minh FC, whose average player age is just 22. In added time, a four-on-one counterattack by Binh Phuoc failed as they missed a clear opportunity to extend their lead.
The hosts’ lack of finishing experience in crucial moments seemed to hold them back. After two games, Youth Ho Chi Minh FC remains goalless, having drawn 0-0 with Dong Thap and lost 0-1 to Binh Phuoc, placing them near the bottom of the table.
With two wins and a draw, Binh Phuoc sits second in the standings, trailing PVF-CAND only on goal difference after three rounds. In the next round, Youth Ho Chi Minh FC will face PVF-CAND, while Binh Phuoc returns home to play Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
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