Duong Van Khoa – the versatile defender of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai

Among the new signings of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Football Club ahead of the 2025–2026 season, defender Duong Van Khoa has proven his worth, making a significant contribution to helping the “Green Warriors” maintain their position among the leading teams in the National First Division League.

Defender Duong Van Khoa shines in the colors of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Football Club. Photo courtesy of VPF

In the 16th minute of the recent Round 6 match against Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City in the National First Division League, Van Khoa surged down the left flank to collect a pass from Le Thanh Binh before delivering a low cross that enabled Alex Sandro to score with ease. That equalizer not only marked Alex Sandro's first goal of the 2025–2026 National First Division League season but also paved the way for the “Green Warriors” to claim a resounding 4–2 victory at Thong Nhat Stadium.

Earlier, in Round 3, during a home match against Xuan Thien Phu Tho Football Club, Van Khoa doubled the lead for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai with a thunderous strike, perfectly timed and placed to blast the ball into the opponent’s net. The goal was so impressive that Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Football Club President Pham Huong Son jumped to his feet and applauded enthusiastically. In that match, Van Khoa and his teammates secured a resounding 4–1 victory.

As an experienced and physically resilient player with strong attacking and defensive abilities, Van Khoa has earned the complete trust of the coaching staff. Since the beginning of the season, the defender has been included in the starting lineup for all seven matches (including one in the National Cup). He often makes overlapping runs to support the attack, frequently putting opposing defenders under heavy pressure.

Before joining Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, Van Khoa had played 100 matches in the V.League for clubs including Than Quang Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City (now Cong An Ho Chi Minh City), Hai Phong, and Quy Nhon Binh Dinh (now Quy Nhon United). In the previous season, the 31-year-old defender made 25 appearances for the team of the martial arts land, scoring one goal, notably, the only goal of his career in domestic competitions.

In addition, Van Khoa has participated in two AFC Cup campaigns, first with Than Quang Ninh in the 2019 season and later with Hai Phong during the 2023–2024 season. He even scored for the mining region team in their away match against Yadanarbon (Myanmar) at the 2019 AFC Cup.

Maintaining strong form, the Quang Ninh-born defender has become a crucial link in coach Nguyen Viet Thang’s tactical setup. This weekend, Van Khoa will face his former club, Quy Nhon United (formerly known as Quy Nhon Binh Dinh). With his deep understanding of the martial arts land team, Van Khoa is expected to help Truong Tuoi Dong Nai secure another three points and stay firmly on course for promotion to the V.League.

By Huyen Linh – Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho