The club struggled to regain rhythm despite playing several friendlies during the hiatus - including matches with Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City FC and SHB Da Nang, to maintain fitness and sharpness.
Quy Nhơn United began the match slowly, showing limited cohesion in their passing game, which hindered their ability to control play and generate clear scoring chances in the first half.
The tempo increased after the break, and in the 55th minute, Cao Văn Triền delivered a corner that allowed striker Nguyễn Đức Hữu to rise and head home the opener for the visitors. The lead, however, lasted only briefly as Dong Thap’s Nguyễn Tuấn Em struck the equaliser soon after.
Both sides pressed for a winner in the remaining minutes but failed to convert opportunities, settling for a 1-1 stalemate.
The result leaves coach Trịnh Duy Quang’s squad in fifth place with 11 points, maintaining their hopes of closing in on the leading group as the season progresses. Quy Nhơn United will next host Xuan Thien Phu Tho FC at home at 6:00 p.m. on February 7.