Truong Tuoi Dong Nai edged Dong Thap 4-3 in a remarkable seven-goal thriller in the Vietnam National Cup on 6 October 2026. The match produced everything a cup tie should: goals, momentum swings, a hat-trick in a losing cause, and a late winner that finally settled a breathless contest.

Match Overview

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai made the brighter start and raced into an early lead, with their attacking play causing constant problems for the Dong Thap defence. Dong Thap responded well, though, and fought their way back into the game with a combination of set-piece threat and quick counter-attacks. The scoreline changed hands repeatedly, and neither side was able to establish lasting control.

With the game level at 3-3 and the clock ticking down, it looked as though the tie might be heading to extra time. But Truong Tuoi Dong Nai found one final moment of quality, scoring the decisive fourth goal late on to break Dong Thap hearts. It was a cruel way for the visitors to exit, but the neutral observer was treated to one of the most entertaining cup matches of the round.

Key Moments

• 7th minute – Dong Nai 1-0: Nguyen Tien Dat opened the scoring with a sharp turn and finish inside the box.
• 25th minute – 1-1: Tran Van Kiet equalised for Dong Thap, finishing calmly after a rapid counter-attack.
• 44th minute – Dong Nai 2-1: Nguyen Tien Dat restored the lead with a powerful header from a corner.
• 52nd minute – 2-2: Tran Van Kiet scored his second, pouncing on a defensive mistake.
• 61st minute – Dong Nai 3-2: Le Cong Thanh put the hosts back in front with a curling effort from outside the box.
• 79th minute – 3-3: Tran Van Kiet completed his hat-trick, converting from the penalty spot.
• 88th minute – Dong Nai 4-3: Pham Minh Tri scored the winner, arriving late to stab home a low cross.

Tactical Story

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai played with a high defensive line and looked to overload the wings, creating numerous crossing opportunities. Their attacking midfielders made late runs into the box, which proved difficult for Dong Thap to track. However, that adventurous approach left them vulnerable to counters, and Dong Thap exploited that weakness repeatedly through the pace and directness of Tran Van Kiet.

Dong Thap’s game plan was built on sitting deep and striking on the break. It worked for long periods, with their front two combining well and their midfielders driving forward at every opportunity. But defensively, they struggled to deal with set-pieces and second balls, and Dong Nai’s persistence in the final third ultimately made the difference. The seven goals were a fair reflection of two teams committed to attack.

Standout Players

Nguyen Tien Dat was influential for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, scoring twice and leading the line with intelligence. Le Cong Thanh controlled the midfield and scored a crucial goal, while Pham Minh Tri’s late winner made him the hero of the night. For Dong Thap, Tran Van Kiet was outstanding, scoring a hat-trick and constantly threatening on the break. His performance deserved more than a losing medal, but cup football can be brutally unforgiving.

Cup Progress and What’s Next

For Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, the victory secures a place in the next round and provides a huge boost of belief. They showed character to keep attacking after being pegged back three times, and that resilience will be valuable in knockout football. Dong Thap exit the Vietnam National Cup with frustration, but their attacking display suggests they can take positives into their league campaign. This match will be remembered as one of the tournament’s most dramatic encounters, with seven goals and a late twist that summed up the unpredictability of cup football.

Full-time: Truong Tuoi Dong Nai 4-3 Dong Thap.