Cong Phuong shines as Truong Tuoi Dong Nai wins the first division championship

During a rain-soaked second half and the passionate energy of thousands of supporters, Cong Phuong crafted a deeply moving career moment, contributing significantly to Truong Tuoi Dong Nai’s 3-0 win against Long An, which officially secured their promotion to the V-League for the 2026/27 campaign.

That victory was about more than just three points. It was the fruit of a long and persistent journey, a historic moment for the team known as the "Green Warriors."

After years of building the squad, making systematic investments, and nurturing big ambitions, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai finally reached the highest stage of Vietnamese football.

Throughout the first half, the home team controlled the game but lacked sharpness in decisive moments. Minh Vuong, Alex Sandro, and Luu Tu Nhan all had chances but failed to break the deadlock. When the match needed someone to make a difference, coach Viet Thang introduced his most important weapon—Cong Phuong—right at the start of the second half.

The arrival ofthe striker from Nghe Animmediately changed the dynamics. His smooth touches, intelligent movement, and confidence kept Long An's defense on high alert. From that moment, Dong Nai seemed to gain new energy and exploded.

After Alex Sandro opened the scoring from a penalty kick, Cong Phuong's influence became more apparent. In the 64th minute, his tricky corner kick allowed Xuan Truong to head home from close range, making it 2-0.

Just two minutes later, Cong Phuong himself sent the stands into a frenzy as he made a smart run, faced the goalkeeper, and finished with finesse to seal a 3-0 victory for Dong Nai.

That marked the third consecutive match in which Cong Phuong scored since his return to the pitch. But the value of this goal went far beyond the stats. It was a reaffirmation that his talent remains intact, a response to the doubts that surrounded him after years of ups and downs in his career.

This match also brought special emotions for the golden generation of HAGL Arsenal JMG. Cong Phuong, Xuan Truong, and Minh Vuong—players who once won fans' hearts with beautiful football—finally lifted a club trophy together.

The First Division trophy may not be as glamorous as the V-League or international tournaments, but for them, it is an invaluable reward for persistence and an undying passion.

Outside the stadium, fireworks lit up the sky overDong Nai. Thousands of fans celebrated, sharing the joy with the players.

The image of an emotional coach Viet Thang hugging his loved ones after leading a team to promotion for the second consecutive time made the story even more meaningful. It was the triumph of a united team, of people who never stopped fighting for a shared dream.

For Cong Phuong, this is likely one of the most beautiful moments of his career. The V-League awaits Dong Nai. And based on what they have shown, the "Green Warriors" have every right to dream of more miraculous stories to come.