The team entered the last round of play as bottom-place holders and lost the autonomy to decide their own fate. To resume a position in next year’s V-League season, manager Tran Binh Su and his players needed to secure a win against Quang Ninh and pray for XSKT Can Tho’s defeat to QNK Quang Nam.
Dong Nai got off to a good start with the opener scored by Cameroonian striker Christian Nsi Amougou nine minutes after the first whistle sounded.
However, the guests could not make use of the advantage towards a good result for their relegation escape, leaving the home side to reverse the situation with a double from national team player Vu Minh Tuan in the 22nd and 41st minutes.
Quang Ninh continued to rub salt on Dong Nai’s wounds as Nguyen Hai Huy made it 3-1 with a close-range shot several minutes into the second half.
Huy’s goal deprived Dong Nai of their competitive spirit, forcing the guests to concede an additional goal by Mac Hong Quan before the final whistle blew.
The heavy loss officially pushed Dong Nai into the First Division tournament next year. Even if they had managed to secure a win over Quang Ninh Coal, Dong Nai still could not have achieved the necessary requirements to save them from being relegated, as Can Tho drew 0-0 with QNK Quang Nam in another match the same day.
The newly-crowned V-League champions Becamex Binh Duong demonstrated their strength finishing off Dong Thap 4-2. Hanoi T&T maintained their second place following a 3-1 victory against Dong Tam Long An, while the bronze medal went to FLC Thanh Hoa, who tied 0-0 with SHB Da Nang.
In other Sunday matches, Hai Phong drew 2-2 with Song Lam Nghe An, while Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN overcame Hoang Anh Gia Lai 3-1.
