Cong Phuong gives lucky money to teammates, Binh Phuoc Club defeats Dong Thap

Cong Phuong is not playing...

Playing away at Dong Thap Stadium, Binh Phuoc Club must win if they hope to continue competing for promotion to the V-League next season. After 6 matches, coach Nguyen Anh Duc's team has 14 points and is 4 points behind the top team Ninh Binh. However, experts predict that Binh Phuoc Club will not have an easy match as Dong Thap always shows discomfort when playing at home. In the last 6 matches played at Cao Lanh Stadium, Dong Thap is undefeated. At the same time, they are also the team with the best defense in the first division (only conceding 2 goals after 6 matches).

Highlight Dong Thap Club 0-1 Binh Phuoc Club | Round 7 of the 2024-2025 First Division

Notably, in the match on the afternoon of January 24, the number 1 star in Binh Phuoc's squad, Cong Phuong, could not play. In the previous round, when Binh Phuoc Club drew 1-1 with Dong Nai (January 19), Cong Phuong was injured and had to leave the field early. The former HAGL striker is expected to need a few more weeks to recover. Before Binh Phuoc Club's match, Cong Phuong also met and encouraged his teammates, giving lucky money for good luck.

Công Phượng lì xì đồng đội lấy may, CLB Bình Phước đánh bại Đồng Tháp- Ảnh 1.

Công Phượng lì xì đồng đội lấy may, CLB Bình Phước đánh bại Đồng Tháp- Ảnh 2.

Striker Ho Sy Giap shows off a photo of himself receiving lucky money from Cong Phuong and shares: "Cong Phuong is relieved at the end of the year"

Attack lacks innovation due to absence of Cong Phuong

Despite the absence of Cong Phuong, with a squad of quality players, Binh Phuoc Club still dominated the game, overwhelming Dong Thap in the first half. The away team held the ball for nearly 55% of the time and fired 5 shots (2 of which were on target). However, Binh Phuoc Club showed impatience and lacked precision in the final moments, ending the match with a 0-0 draw.

With the appearance of striker Le Thanh Binh in the attack, Binh Phuoc Club made many crosses from both sides. In the first half, the striker wearing the number 91 shirt was also the player with the most scoring opportunities for the away team. In the 8th minute, Manh Hung made an accurate cross from the left wing but unfortunately Le Thanh Binh headed the ball wide. In the 20th minute, he continued to receive a favorable pass from his teammate but in a completely open position, Le Thanh Binh finished right into the position of goalkeeper Thanh Tuan.

At the end of the first half, Binh Phuoc Club increased the pressure to find a goal. However, the players on the attack line did not play with any difference, making it difficult for Binh Phuoc to approach Dong Thap's penalty area. Therefore, coach Nguyen Anh Duc's team did not have any more dangerous shots. On the opposite side, Dong Thap Club chose to play defensive counter-attack. The team from the land of pink lotus only had 2 shots in the first half but both missed the target.

Công Phượng lì xì đồng đội lấy may, CLB Bình Phước đánh bại Đồng Tháp- Ảnh 3. — Binh Phuoc Club deadlocked in the first half without Cong Phuong

Golden goal on penalty spot

In the second half, Binh Phuoc Club was still stuck in attack. The away team's coordination was not good, easily neutralized by Dong Thap Club's defense. In addition, when awarded set pieces, Binh Phuoc Club players could not take advantage. In the 57th minute, Van Ka kicked the ball very hard outside the penalty area but goalkeeper Thanh Tuan played excellently, successfully blocking it. In the 78th minute, Dong Thap's goalkeeper continued to frustrate Binh Phuoc strikers when he blocked Tu Nhan's close-range shot.

However, in the midst of the deadlock, a surprise “gift” came to Binh Phuoc Club. In the 88th minute, Tu Nhan held the ball uncomfortably and was fouled by a Dong Thap player in the penalty area, allowing Binh Phuoc to be awarded a penalty. It was Tu Nhan who was given the opportunity and he made no mistake to score the only goal, helping Binh Phuoc beat Dong Thap 1-0.

Công Phượng lì xì đồng đội lấy may, CLB Bình Phước đánh bại Đồng Tháp- Ảnh 4. — Efforts help Binh Phuoc Club win by a minimum margin against Dong Thap

Binh Phuoc Club closely follows Ninh Binh Club

With a hard-fought 1-0 win at Cao Lanh Stadium against Dong Thap Club, Binh Phuoc has 17 points after 7 rounds. Cong Phuong's team continues to stand in 2nd place in the first division, 1 point behind the leader Ninh Binh but having played 1 more match. Meanwhile, Dong Thap has 8 points, standing in 4th place.

In the previous match, Hue FC had a dramatic 2-2 draw with Khanh Hoa FC. This result left Hue FC with only 5 points after 7 matches, second to last in the first division. On the opposite side, Khanh Hoa FC had 6 points, ranking 6th.