Dong Nai, 4 Sep 2026 – The Cong Viettel kicked off their 2026/27 V.League 1 campaign with a 2-0 away victory over Dong Nai City FC on September 4, with substitute Danh Trung playing a decisive role in both goals.
The opening half was a cautious affair, with neither side willing to take too many risks. Dong Nai City sat relatively deep and allowed the visitors to control possession, while The Cong Viettel remained patient rather than immediately pushing the tempo.
The game gradually came to life after the 25-minute mark. Dong Nai City threatened from several dangerous set-pieces that caused problems for goalkeeper Van Viet, while The Cong Viettel began to find shooting opportunities of their own.
Their best chance of the first half arrived in the 37th minute when Wesley Nata produced a dangerous header that forced goalkeeper Van Phong into a full-stretch save.
The visitors had already suffered an early setback, however, with defender Lucas Alves forced off through injury after just eight minutes.
Danh Trung Makes Immediate Impact
The tempo increased significantly after the break, with both teams looking more adventurous going forward.
A crucial moment arrived around the hour mark when both coaches turned to their benches. Dong Nai City introduced Cong Phuong, hoping the experienced forward could provide the attacking spark needed to break the deadlock.
Instead, it was The Cong Viettel substitute Danh Trung who made an immediate impact.
With virtually his first involvement after coming on, Danh Trung burst down the right flank before delivering an inviting cross into the penalty area. Lucas Ribamar met it with a powerful header to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 63rd minute.
Danh Trung was again at the heart of the action deep into stoppage time.
In the 90+2 minute, he delivered a precise corner into the box, where defender Kyle Colonna rose above the defence and headed home to double The Cong Viettel’s advantage.
Two Red Cards and Late VAR Drama
The closing stages became increasingly heated, with both teams reduced to 10 men and VAR involved in several major decisions.
Dong Nai City’s Jovic was shown a straight red card in the 77th minute following a dangerous challenge on Nham Manh Dung.
The Cong Viettel were also reduced to 10 men in the 90+7 minute, when one of their forwards was dismissed following a challenge inside the penalty area.
More drama followed four minutes later.
Referee Khanh Nam initially awarded Dong Nai City a penalty after goalkeeper Van Viet collided with Ivan Andrei inside The Cong Viettel’s box.
Cong Phuong stepped forward and prepared to take the spot kick, but following a VAR review, the referee overturned his original decision, denying the hosts a late opportunity to pull a goal back.
The match eventually ended after 13 minutes of stoppage time, with The Cong Viettel securing a 2-0 victory and all three points in their opening match of the new V.League 1 season.
For the visitors, Danh Trung proved to be the difference-maker, providing both assists after coming off the bench to help The Cong Viettel make a perfect start to their 2026/27 V.League 1 campaign.
VSN/RPT
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