Truong Tuoi Dong Nai team concludes 2025 with lots of impressions

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Club, formerly Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc, has completed its own competition schedule in 2025 with many matches on various "fronts" such as the First Division, National Cup, and even the play-off match for a V.League spot.

Re-establishing best performance in the National Cup

Minh Vuong and his teammates eliminate 2 V.League representatives in the 2025-2026 National Cup. Photo courtesy of VPF

"The Green Warriors" started 2025 with an away match against Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club in the 1/8 round of the National Cup on January 12. The whole team had a fair match against "Tiger Bi-Rai" and only stopped in the risky penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.

Coincidentally, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai also had its last official match in 2025 in the National Cup, also in the 1/8 round. However, this time joy came to Coach Nguyen Viet Thang's team with a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club on the evening of November 22. Previously, Tran Minh Vuong and his teammates had overcome another V.League team, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City, with a score of 3-1 in the qualifying round in September.

With their latest achievement, "The Green Warriors" have reached the quarterfinals of the National Cup for the third time, following previous appearances in 2018 and 2022. Speaking after the victory over Hong Linh Ha Tinh, midfielder Minh Vuong said with satisfaction: Truong Tuoi Dong Nai has many quality players and a talented coach, so we aim not only to win promotion to the V.League but also to go as far as possible in the National Cup. We are ready to face any opponent.

Dominating the race to V.League

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai is the only undefeated team after the first 7 rounds of the 2025-2026 National First Division. Photo courtesy of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai

In the First Division, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai have also shown strong form and remain the only unbeaten team after 7 rounds in the 2025-2026 campaign. "The Green Warriors" have recorded 5 wins and 2 draws to claim the top spot, holding a one-point lead over second-placed Khatoco Khanh Hoa.

When still known as Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc, the team lost only twice to Ninh Binh in the First Division in 2025, while securing 9 wins and 4 draws. Also in that year, Cong Phuong and his teammates suffered a disappointing defeat to SHB Da Nang in the play-off match for a V.League promotion slot.

The road to Vietnam's top-tier tournament in 2025-2026 still has 15 rounds to go, hence anything can happen. However, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai holds several advantages, including a well-balanced and deep squad. Many of the players currently featuring for "The Green Warriors" have top-level experience, such as Tan Truong, Huu Tuan, Minh Vuong, Xuan Truong, Sy Giap, and Van Khoa.

Meanwhile, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai's main rivals, including Khatoco Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City Club, Quy Nhon United, and Bac Ninh, have all dropped points, even when facing teams from the lower end of the table.

The key now is how coach Nguyen Viet Thang and his staff can keep the "fire" alive in their players while the domestic leagues are temporarily paused until the end of January 2026. In December, the team played a series of friendlies, winning all three matches against Van Hien University (3-0), Hai Phong (5-3), and Quang Ninh (3-1). Notably, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong rediscovered his touch in both scoring and assisting.

This milestone is encouraging news for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, as when the First Division resumes, "The Green Warriors" will face a "big match" against Khatoco Khanh Hoa in round 8 at home.

By Bao Tram – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho