Why was Cong Phuong replaced by Yokohama FC after only 16 minutes of play?

Cong Phuong came on as a substitute but only played 16 minutes for Yokohama FC. (Photo: J-League)

Cong Phuong was brought onto the field in the 41st minute of the match between Yokohama FC and Nagoya Grampus in the third round of the Japan League Cup, but was substituted in the 57th minute. Including extra time, Cong Phuong was only on the field for about 16 minutes.

The reason why Cong Phuong was substituted early was due to a calf injury. Coach Shuhei Yomoda said that Yokohama FC's medical team needed to conduct a more thorough examination to determine the severity of this injury.

Cong Phuong's injury happened when coach Shuhei Yomoda decided to increase the attack and Yokohama FC just scored a goal to reduce the score to 1-2 in the 44th minute, after conceding 2 goals in the first 7 minutes of the match.

Yokohama FC could not carry out their plan to rise up in the second half and continued to concede a goal in the 63rd minute, thereby accepting a 1-3 defeat against Nagoya Grampus.

For Cong Phuong personally, this injury leaves the possibility of returning to the Vietnam national team open. Previously, the Nghe An striker had an ankle problem and missed the 2026 World Cup qualifying round last March.

This season, besides the 16 minutes he appeared against Nagoya Grampus, Cong Phuong only played 68 minutes when Yokohama FC beat Okayama in the second round of the Japan League Cup.

Source: https://vov.vn/the-thao/vi-sao-cong-phuong-bi-yokohama-fc-thay-ra-chi-sau-16-phut-thi-dau-post1097017.vov