What awaits Truong Tuoi Dong Nai this weekend?

The 2025-2026 National First Division kicked off with plenty of surprises, as several V.League promotion contenders dropped points in the opening round. Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, Quy Nhon United, and Bac Ninh were all held to home draws, while Quang Ninh suffered a defeat against PVF-CAND Youth.

No match is ever easy

The 2025/2026 National First Division kicks off with fierce competition right from the opening round. Pictured: Truong Tuoi Dong Nai played to a 2-2 draw with Ho Chi Minh City FC. Photo: VPF

At the post-match press conference following Truong Tuoi Dong Nai’s commanding win over Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC in the National Cup qualifiers, head coach Nguyen Viet Thang predicted that this year’s National First Division would be highly unpredictable, with clubs investing heavily across the board. That forecast proved accurate from the very first round.

Having just parted ways with the V.League, Quy Nhon United, who competed last season under the name Quy Nhon Binh Dinh, were held to a 1-1 draw by First Division newcomers Van Hien University.

In Binh Phuoc, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai looked set for victory over Ho Chi Minh City FC, leading until the 90th minute, but ultimately had to settle for a draw against the side now coached by former manager Nguyen Minh Phuong.

At Thong Nhat Stadium, Bac Ninh also had to share the points after a hard-fought match with Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City.

Despite the setbacks, all three promotion contenders still managed to pick up their first points of the season. Quang Ninh, however, came away empty-handed after a 1-0 loss to PVF-CAND Youth, who were granted a special promotion to the league.

Round 1 ended on a high note for Khanh Hoa, who climbed to the top of the table with a confident 2-0 home win over Long An.

With the season still at the starting line, teams have ample time to make adjustments and work toward their goals before the competition intensifies. For neutral spectators, the fierce rivalries and surprising twists have made for an exciting campaign, especially in a season offering only 1.5 promotion slots, fewer than the two originally anticipated.

A closer look at Truong Tuoi Dong Nai’s next rival

Van Hien University (in blue) secures a draw away against Quy Nhon United. Photo: VPF

Round 2 kicks off today, September 26, with a Mekong Delta derby between Long An and Dong Thap. A day later, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai travels to face Van Hien University, the first university-based team to participate in Vietnam’s professional football system.

The team is led by veteran coach Nguyen Dinh Hung, who holds an AFC A-level coaching license. Born in 1971, he previously managed Hai Phong FC in the 2011 V.League season and later took charge of Phu Yen in the First Division.

A standout player for Van Hien University is Jamaican striker Jermie Dwayne Lynch, a seasoned V.League veteran with more than 70 appearances for clubs including Song Lam Nghe An, Hai Phong, Than Quang Ninh, and Binh Dinh, scoring 34 goals along the way. He was also part of the Binh Dinh squad that finished runners-up in the 2022 National Cup.

The squad also features two former Vietnam U19 internationals: defender-turned-midfielder Tran Anh Thi and goalkeeper Nguyen Thanh Tuan. Notably, Anh Thi played as a center-back last season for Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc, now Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, but has been registered this season as a midfielder for Van Hien University. The Tay Ninh native now takes on a new role in the heart of midfield.

Anh Thi has been a trusted pick for head coach Nguyen Dinh Hung, starting both of Van Hien University’s official fixtures this season against Bac Ninh in the National Cup and Quy Nhon United in the First Division. With deep insight into his former club, he is widely expected to be in the starting lineup for Saturday’s home clash with Truong Tuoi Dong Nai.

Le Vuong Minh Nhat, who scored the decisive goal in Van Hien University's win over Dak Lak late last June, played a pivotal role in their 2025 Second Division title run. A key figure in the squad, he is certainly one that coach Viet Thang and the Truong Tuoi Dong Nai players will need to watch closely.

Nonetheless, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai is still seen as the stronger side, thanks in part to newcomer Tran Minh Vuong, who has quickly settled in, contributing both goals and assists in the last two matches. The “Green Warriors” will also be buoyed by strong support from their loyal fans, who are expected to fill the stands at Thong Nhat Stadium this weekend.

Round 2 Fixtures – 2025-2026 National First Division

Friday, September 26:

4:00 PM – Long An vs. Dong Thap

6:00 PM – Xuân Thien Phu Tho vs. Ho Chi Minh City Youth

Saturday, September 27:

4:00 PM – Van Hien University vs. Truong Tuoi Dong Nai

4:00 PM – Bac Ninh vs. Khatoco Khanh Hoa

Sunday, September 28:

4:00 PM – Ho Chi Minh City FC vs. PVF-CAND Youth

5:00 PM – Quang Ninh vs. Quy Nhon United

By Huyen Linh – Translated by Tam Binh, Minho