Yokohama’s starting lineup (Cong Phuong No. 28) against Okayama – Photo: JLF
Cong Phuong started for Yokohama FC for the first time in an official match. He joined the club in 2023 but only came on as a substitute and played 2 minutes in the 2023 J League Cup.
Cong Phuong’s appearance attracted the attention of Vietnamese audiences. He has been absent for about 386 days since his debut for the team in a 2-3 loss against Nagoya Grampus on April 5, 2023.
Head coach Shuhei Yomoda had already calculated the personnel for the match with Fagiano Okayama. Before that, Yokohama posted a picture of Cong Phuong on the match poster a few days ago to “tease” fans.
From a professional perspective, Mr. Yomoda said: “We have to play 3 consecutive away matches in 9 days. Therefore, I want all players to have the opportunity to play. It is an opportunity to help them improve their ability. integration”.
Cong Phuong is arranged to play guard in the 3-4-2-1 formation. Cong Phuong and Mizuki Arai play behind striker Solomon Sakuragawa.
Confident in his dribbling ability, in the 8th minute, Cong Phuong caught the ball, entered the penalty area and took a strong but not dangerous shot. Unfortunately, your team’s goalkeeper was able to block it. At minute 20, Cong Phuong received a yellow card.
Cong Phuong made his first start in Yokohama – Photo: JLC
Cong Phuong’s total time on the field was 68 minutes. He was replaced by foreign striker Caprini Pinto. The striker born in 1995 is still unlucky to have his first goal.
In this knockout match, the two teams drew 2-2 in the official 90 minutes. Entering extra time with only 3 minutes, Yudai Tanaka put Okayama up 3-2 and scored a double for himself.
The drama of the match increased until minute 107, when Cong Phuong’s replacement, striker Pinto, equalized 3-3 for Yokohama. This result sent the two teams to a penalty shootout to find the name to continue to the third round of the J League Cup.
Yokohama players successfully made all 5 shots and won with a score of 3-5. With Yokohama continuing in the 2024 J League Cup, Cong Phuong will continue to have the opportunity to compete on this front.
Yokohama’s next opponent in this arena is Nagoya Grampus Club. The match time will be determined in the near future.
