Nguyen Cong Phuong played a pivotal role, scoring and assisting, to lead Binh Phuoc FC to a narrow 3-2 victory over Ba Ria Vung Tau in the fourth round of the 2024-2025 Vietnamese First Division. The match, held on the evening of November 14, showcased the contrasting fortunes of two teams with vastly different experiences.
Ba Ria Vung Tau, reeling from last season’s setbacks when six players were arrested for gambling violations, fielded a largely restructured squad with young players on loan from various academies. Their lineup for this game boasted an average age of just 19.3. In contrast, Binh Phuoc assembled a seasoned squad with players like Cong Phuong, Tan Sinh, Sy Giap, Thanh Binh, and Viet Anh, averaging 28.7 years in age, making them one of the strongest teams in the league.
Binh Phuoc quickly asserted control, creating several chances and pressuring the visitors’ defense. In the 11th minute, Cong Phuong made his mark with a well-timed header from a cross by Manh Hung, putting Binh Phuoc ahead. This goal marked Phuong’s third in the First Division this season. Just 13 minutes later, Phuong delivered a precise corner kick that teammate Luu Tu Nhan headed in, doubling the lead for the home side.
Despite their dominance, Binh Phuoc’s lack of finishing cost them. In the 70th minute, a miscommunication between goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong and defender Viet Anh allowed a Ba Ria Vung Tau player to steal the ball and cross into the box, where it deflected off center-back Tan Sinh, resulting in Binh Phuoc’s first conceded goal of the season.
Energized, Ba Ria Vung Tau mounted a series of attacks and nearly equalized just minutes later, though the final effort lacked power. Phuong continued to threaten, nearly scoring again with a narrow-angle shot that was brilliantly saved by Nguyen Tan.
Binh Phuoc’s defensive lapses allowed Ba Ria Vung Tau back into the game. In the 82nd minute, a seemingly harmless high ball led to an error by goalkeeper Tan Truong, whose deflection fell to To Phuong Thinh. The 24-year-old midfielder fired a powerful shot to equalize at 2-2.
Just two minutes later, Phuong nearly restored the lead with a stunning 30-meter free-kick that struck the post. Then, in a thrilling finish during stoppage time, Thanh Binh, who had been quiet for much of the game, seized on a loose ball in the box and volleyed it home to seal the 3-2 win. Binh’s celebration saw him sprint towards the B stand, where fans erupted in excitement. This was Binh’s second consecutive goal, following his decisive strike against Youth Ho Chi Minh FC in the previous round.
Post-game, Cong Phuong acknowledged that while Binh Phuoc had started strong, they struggled with stamina in the second half. “It was a tough match for us, but anything can happen in football. We were fortunate to come out on top,” he said.
With four goals across league and cup competitions, Phuong has earned a spot in coach Kim Sang-sik’s preliminary squad for the 2024 AFF Cup. Phuong’s last appearance for the national team was in a friendly against Palestine in September 2023. Although he was called up in March 2024 under coach Philippe Troussier, a last-minute injury prevented him from joining the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia.
Leave a Reply