Cong Phuong returns to V-League after 1,400 days: A controversial debut with Dong Nai

On the afternoon of September 4, 2026, Dong Nai Stadium witnessed a historic moment: Nguyen Cong Phuong, after 1,400 days away, officially returned to the V-League stage in the colors of his hometown club. But no celebration rang out. Instead, a penalty denied by VAR, a 0-2 loss to The Cong, and a fiery confrontation with the referee turned his comeback into a dramatic play. Cong Phuong, 31, wore the number 10 shirt and the captain's armband. He was introduced in the 60th minute with the score already 0-2. Immediately, he became the focal point of every attack. One of his free kicks found a teammate's head, but the header went just wide of the post. That was the most dangerous chance Dong Nai created all match. Then, in the 78th minute, a penalty was awarded by referee Do Khanh Nam. Cong Phuong picked up the ball, placed it on the spot, and prepared to take it. But VAR intervened. After three minutes of consultation, the referee overturned the decision, dropping the ball for The Cong's goalkeeper. Cong Phuong could not hide his disappointment. After the match, he refused to shake hands with referee Khanh Nam and continued to argue with him. Assistant coach Le Phuoc Tu had to intervene to pull him away. Head coach Nguyen Viet Thang declined to comment on the officiating, but praised Cong Phuong's fighting spirit. "I believe giving the captain's armband to Cong Phuong was not a mistake. I want him to maintain that spirit to lead this team," he said. This was Dong Nai's opening match of the 2026-2026 V-League season, after earning promotion by winning the First Division championship in May 2026. Notably, chairman Pham Huong Son had refused a special promotion spot when Quang Nam withdrew. He wanted the team to earn promotion on merit. And they did. But stepping into the top flight, the challenge is immense. Cong Phuong joined Dong Nai (formerly Binh Phuoc) at the start of the 2026-2026 season on a three-year contract. He had missed a penalty in a previous promotion playoff, but last season he played a key role in taking the team up. His return is a positive signal for Vietnamese football, but it also raises questions about his ability to adapt to the V-League after long spells in Japan, Belgium, and Laos. Tactically, Cong Phuong was tasked with taking corners, free kicks, and penalties. In his 30 minutes on the pitch, he created only one chance from a set piece. Dong Nai lacked attacking diversity, relying heavily on individual moments. Coach Thang admitted that Cong Phuong's presence made the attack more varied, but no goals were scored. The VAR controversy will linger. Many believe the penalty reversal was correct, but others argue the referee lacked conviction. Cong Phuong, with his strong personality, let his emotions get the better of him. This could result in a fine or ban from the VFF if reported. For a newly promoted team, losing their captain and star player would be a heavy blow. Lessons from this match: Dong Nai need to improve their defense (conceding two goals at home), develop alternative attacking options beyond Cong Phuong, and manage the emotions of key players. As for Cong Phuong, he must prove he is not just a legend of the past, but a true leader for the present and future. Cong Phuong's return after 1,400 days is a beautiful story, but the harsh reality of the V-League quickly painted a different picture. Can he and Dong Nai overcome the difficulties? The answer will come in the next rounds.