Truong Tuoi Dong Nai claim convincing win over Hong Linh Ha Tinh, advance in National Cup

On November 22, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai hosted Hong Linh Ha Tinh at Binh Phuoc Stadium (Binh Phuoc Ward) in the Round of 16 of the 2025/2026 National Cup. Despite playing in a lower league, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai had a convincing victory over the representative from V.League 1.

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai and Hong Linh Ha Tinh deliver a quality match in the Round of 16 of the National Cup. Photo: Nhu Nam

Entering this knockout match, aside from the absence of Cong Phuong on the home side, both teams fielded their strongest lineups. With home-field advantage, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai showed no signs of being outclassed by Hong Linh Ha Tinh. The match unfolded with high quality and featured numerous exciting passages of play.

In the 7th minute, Minh Vuong broke free down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint pass to an unmarked Alex Sandro in the penalty area. Unfortunately for the home side, the foreign striker’s header was too tame to pose a threat. Just a few minutes later, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai even managed to put the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out due to an earlier offside by Van Khoa.

The home side didn’t have to wait long for a breakthrough, as Minh Vuong once again delivered a moment of brilliance, controlling the ball with his chest, spinning, and volleying past goalkeeper Thanh Tung to open the scoring for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai. In the 31st minute, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai came close to doubling their lead in the first half, but Tu Nhan narrowly missed making clean contact just in front of the goal line on a cross from Alex Sandro on the left flank.

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai players celebrate Minh Vuong’s “masterpiece” goal. Photo: Nhu Nam

Refusing to yield to Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, Hong Linh Ha Tinh pushed forward in the second half to apply pressure. In the 60th minute, had it not been for Tan Truong’s brilliant airborne save, the score would have been equalized.

After relentless pressure without finding the net, the visitors were immediately hit by a swift counterattack from the home side. In the 69th minute, following a rapid break, substitute Danh Minh delivered a pinpoint pass to the feet of Alex Sandro, who calmly beat goalkeeper Thanh Tung to double the lead for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai.

Struggling to find openings in attack, Hong Linh Ha Tinh had too little time left to create a surprise and ultimately had to accept a two-goal defeat to Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, a second-tier side. With this victory, the “Green Warriors” advance to the quarterfinals of the National Cup, where coach Nguyen Viet Thang’s team will face the winner of the matchup between Cong An Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City on November 23.

By Nguyen Tan, Nhu Nam – Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho