National Second Division 2026: Lam Dong Secure the Last Promotion Spot
On the afternoon of June 16, the play-off match for the final promotion berth in the 2026 National Second Division Finals delivered plenty of drama at Quy Nhon Stadium (Gia Lai). After 90 minutes ended in a goalless draw, Lam Dong FC defeated Truong Giang Gia Dinh 4-3 in the penalty shootout to become the third team to earn promotion to the 2026/27 National First Division.
Having both suffered defeats in matches on June 13, Lam Dong and Truong Giang Gia Dinh fully understood that this was their final chance to achieve promotion. As a result, both teams entered the match with a very high level of determination.
With a squad featuring more experienced and battle-hardened players, Truong Giang Gia Dinh started the game more proactively in the opening minutes. In the 10th minute, the Ho Chi Minh City-based side came very close to breaking the deadlock when Huu Nhieu fired a close-range shot from around 5 meters out. However, Lam Dong goalkeeper Lam Nhat produced an excellent reflex save to deny the goal and keep his team in the game.
After that moment, the Central Highlands side gradually regained their composure, organizing their formation more tightly and maintaining discipline in their playing style. Although Truong Giang Gia Dinh continued to control the game better for the remainder of the first half, they were unable to create many truly dangerous chances in front of the opposition goal. On the other hand, Lam Dong mainly focused on strengthening the midfield area to limit their opponent’s attacking threat and also produced few notable opportunities in the final third.
The second half began with a fairly balanced contest as both teams traded attacks. However, most of the play remained in midfield, which meant clear-cut chances were still limited.
The most notable moment came in the 83rd minute, when Truong Giang Gia Dinh goalkeeper Anh Tri failed to hold onto a high ball, causing a brief scare for the crowd in the stands. Nevertheless, the goalkeeper reacted quickly and managed to gather the ball in time before any Lam Dong players could close in for a finishing attempt.
No goals were scored after 90 minutes of regular time, forcing the two teams into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
In the tense battle from the spot, although Lam Dong failed to convert their first two penalties, goalkeeper Lam Nhat emerged as the hero for the Central Highlands side. After saving two penalties in the first five rounds to help his team level the score at 3-3, the shot-stopper produced another crucial save in the sixth round by denying his opponent once again. A 4-3 victory in the shootout secured Lam Dong the final promotion spot to the 2026/27 National First Division.
Thus, the 2026 National Second Division came to a close with three teams earning promotion to the 2026/27 National First Division: Hanoi Youth, Hue and Lam Dong. Hanoi Youth and Hue were recognized as joint champions, while Lam Dong secured the joint third-place finish and claimed the final promotion berth after a dramatic victory over Truong Giang Gia Dinh.
Lam Dong’s hard-fought triumph in the decisive play-off capped off an impressive campaign, as the Central Highlands side showed great resilience to complete the trio of teams moving up to the National First Division next season.
