Easily defeating Dong Thap, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai strengthens its lead

With clear superiority in class and the advantage of playing at home, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai secured a convincing victory over the second-from-bottom side Dong Thap in Round 10 of the National First Division on the evening of February 27 to maintain its lead at the top of the table.

Le Thanh Binh scores a brace to help Truong Tuoi Dong Nai secure an emphatic 5-1 win over Dong Thap. Photo: Nhu Nam

In this match, the host, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, was without Cong Phuong due to injury, while midfielder Minh Vuong also missed out for health reasons. Nevertheless, with home advantage and up against a lower-rated opponent, the "green warriors" put the visitors under pressure from the opening whistle. If not for a handball by Alex Sandro in the first minute, the hosts would have taken a very early lead.

The home supporters did not have to wait long to celebrate. Ten minutes later, Thanh Binh fired a shot inside the penalty area to put the hosts ahead 1–0. Just three minutes after that, left-back Duong Van Khoa struck a powerful shot inside the box to double the lead. Taking a two-goal cushion within the opening 15 minutes, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai deliberately slowed the tempo, while the visitors from the “land of pink lotuses” offered only faint resistance.

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai players celebrate their emphatic home victory. Photo: Nhu Nam

After the half-time break, aiming to settle the match early against a struggling opponent near the bottom of the table, coach Nguyen Viet Thang’s players increased the pace. Less than five minutes into the second half, Ho Thanh Minh scored to extend the lead to 3–0 for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai.

After conceding a third goal, Dong Thap was left in disarray, and it went on to concede twice more in quick succession. Thanh Binh and Alex Sandro struck in the 70th and 73rd minutes, respectively, taking the score to 5-0. Before departing Binh Phuoc Stadium, the visitors managed to pull one back through Huu Nghia.

With a commanding 5-1 win over Dong Thap in Round 10, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai moved to 24 points, strengthening its grip on top spot and boosting hopes in the title race and the direct promotion spot this season.

By Nguyen Tan – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho