(Live football) - Round 8 of the First Division marks Cong Phuong's debut match for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai in the current season.
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Starting lineup for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai:
Starting lineup for Khatoco Khanh Hoa:
Truong Tuoi Dong Nai will face Khanh Hoa at 6:00 PM on January 31, 2026, at Binh Phuoc Stadium in a match regarded as the highlight of the season. The main focus is on Nguyen Cong Phuong's anticipated return – he has been absent since the start of the season due to injury and is now approaching a highly awaited comeback.
Since the 2025/26 season began, the Nghệ An-born striker has been mainly focused on treatment and physical recovery. Sitting out caused him to miss the early phase with Dong Nai and the chance to join the Vietnam national team training camp in June 2025. However, positive signs have emerged as Cong Phuong has resumed regular training, following the full program and integrating well with the team's overall pace.
The upcoming clash holds crucial significance for both teams. Khanh Hoa currently has 16 points, while Dong Nai leads by just one point, creating a tight race for the top spot. The Eastern Southern team aims for direct promotion instead of entering the risky playoff round like last season. In this context, the return of their key star acts as a major morale boost for the squad.
Beyond his technical contribution, Cong Phuong also draws special attention off the field. On his 31st birthday, he shared a positive message about his football journey, quickly gaining tens of thousands of interactions from fans. Unless there are last-minute changes, his comeback against Khanh Hoa will open a new chapter for both Dong Nai and the striker himself in the remainder of the season.