In a bid to secure a direct promotion to the V.League, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC have revamped their lineup with a series of key signings. Among them, midfielder Tran Minh Vuong has quickly proven his value, giving the "Green Warriors" a legitimate shot at the title in the 2025-2026 First League.
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Rediscover his passion with the new club
Minh Vuong joined Truong Tuoi Dong Nai this past July, following a long tenure where he spent "his entire youth fighting relegation" with Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL). The 30-year-old has integrated seamlessly into his new environment, reuniting with former HAGL teammates like Luong Xuan Truong, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Le Van Son, and Nguyen Huu Tuan.
His impact was immediate. In his debut off the bench during a mid-September National Cup qualifier against Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC, Minh Vuong announced his arrival with a stunning free-kick goal and an assist for Luu Tu Nhan, steering the team to a 3-1 victory over the V.League side.
He has carried that scintillating form into the First League. In the season opener against Ho Chi Minh City FC, Vuong provided another assist for Tu Nhan and scored a goal himself, though Dong Nai narrowly let the win slip in a 2-2 draw.
Most recently, in the third round, Vuong stole the show with a brace against Xuan Thien Phu Tho FC. His second goal, making it 3-0, was a moment of sheer determination, as he burst past multiple defenders on a slick pitch before slotting the ball past Nguyen Anh Tuan, the goalkeeper.
The former Vietnamese national team member also made his presence felt from the corner flag, delivering a perfect cross that defender Duong Van Khoa met with a powerful finish into the net.
While football is a team sport, 4 goals and multiple assists in under 4 games have swiftly made Minh Vuong the new hero for the "Green Warriors." This output is particularly impressive considering he managed only 3 goals in 27 appearances for HAGL last season. If he maintains this pace, the 1995-born midfielder is well on track to surpass his personal best of 13 goals in 28 matches, set back in the 2019 season with HAGL. With 19 First League matches and a potential 4 National Cup matches remaining, that record is firmly in his sights. Such a resurgence could even pave the way back for him to the Vietnamese national team, as coach Kim Sang-sik has consistently shown that he rewards players in top form.
A thrilling promotion race
Back-to-back wins over Van Hien University and Xuan Thien Phu Tho, along with a draw in the opening round, have lifted the "Green Warriors" to the top of the table with 7 points from their first three matches. This endeavor matches the total they earned in the first three rounds of last season, when they were still known as Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc.
Hot on their heels are the teams of coach Nguyen Viet Thang: Khatoco Khanh Hoa and Quang Ninh, who are locked together on 6 points. The chasing pack remains tight, with Ho Chi Minh City FC and Bac Ninh on 5 points, while Quy Nhon United and PFV-CAND's youth side sit on 4 points, setting the stage for a compelling promotion race.
Domestic competitions are on hold for the October FIFA Days, giving way to national team activities. When play resumes, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai will travel to face Long An FC in the fourth round on October 18. The former V.League champions have yet to find their form this season, collecting just 3 points and sitting in 8th place.
Barring any surprises, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai are set to welcome back attacking duo Nguyen Cong Phuong and Ho Thanh Minh, who have been recovering from injury. Their return will give the promotion contenders added firepower as they aim for another win on the road, before returning home to face a strong Bac Ninh side at the end of October.
By Bao Tram – Translated by Thien Kim, Minho
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