Cong Phuong returns to V-League after 1,400 days: Dong Nai loses 0-2, penalty controversy and challenges for the newcomer

After nearly four years away, Cong Phuong officially returned to the V-League wearing the jersey of Dong Nai. His debut on September 4, 2026 at home against The Cong did not go as expected. Dong Nai lost 0-2, and fans witnessed a dramatic VAR controversy along with the intense emotions of the new captain. From the start, Dong Nai showed the inexperience of a V-League newcomer. They allowed The Cong to control the game and take a 2-0 lead in the first half. In the second half, coach Nguyen Viet Thang brought Cong Phuong on in the 60th minute, hoping for a spark. Cong Phuong wore number 10, took corners and free kicks, and was the designated penalty taker – clearly the creative hub. Cong Phuong's presence made Dong Nai's attacks more diverse. One of his free kicks led to a teammate's header that went just wide. That was the home team's best chance. But the real drama came in the 80th minute when referee Do Khanh Nam pointed to the spot after a collision in The Cong's box. Cong Phuong picked up the ball, placed it on the spot, ready to take the crucial penalty. Then VAR intervened. After three minutes of consultation, referee Do Khanh Nam overturned his decision, cancelled the penalty, and gave the ball to The Cong's goalkeeper. Cong Phuong and the entire Dong Nai team reacted furiously, believing the VAR decision was wrong. After the match, Cong Phuong continued to question the referee and ignored the handshake with Do Khanh Nam during the traditional ritual. Assistant coach Le Phuoc Tu had to intervene to pull him away. In the post-match press conference, coach Nguyen Viet Thang refused to comment on the refereeing but praised Cong Phuong's fighting spirit. He said: 'I believe giving the captain's armband to Cong Phuong was not a wrong choice. I want him to maintain that spirit to lead this team.' This shows the coaching staff's absolute faith in the 31-year-old star, despite his emotional outburst. Dong Nai is a newly promoted V-League team. Notably, they were offered a special promotion spot for the 2026-2026 season after Quang Nam withdrew, but chairman Pham Huong Son refused because he wanted the team to earn promotion through merit. In May 2026, Dong Nai won the First Division championship, achieving promotion on their own merit. This is a commendable philosophy, but it also means the team faces a huge challenge in the top flight. Cong Phuong joined Dong Nai (formerly Binh Phuoc) at the start of the 2026-2026 season on a three-year contract. He is the most prominent player in the squad, and wearing the captain's armband shows the great responsibility on him. However, this turbulent debut raises many questions: Can Cong Phuong stay calm enough to lead the team through difficulties? Can Dong Nai survive relegation by relying only on set pieces and inspiration from one star? Tactically, Dong Nai needs to improve their defense and create more chances from open play. Over-reliance on set pieces is a double-edged sword. If Cong Phuong is suspended for his reaction to the referee, the team will lose its main creative source. This is a risk the management must consider. However, it is only round one. The Cong is a mid-table opponent, and a 0-2 home loss is not a disaster. The key is for Dong Nai to quickly stabilize their mentality, especially Cong Phuong, and focus on the upcoming matches. Fans still hope for a beautiful comeback story, but football is not just about emotions – it needs results. This match also sparked discussion about VAR implementation in the V-League. The penalty cancellation was controversial, and without transparency from the VFF, public unease will persist. Cong Phuong, as captain, needs to control himself to avoid becoming a negative focal point. In summary, Cong Phuong's return had no goal, no win, but plenty of drama. Dong Nai faces a long journey, and their story has only just begun.