With many members of the national team in their lineup, Phong Phu Ha Nam dominated from the outset and created several chances to score, with Nguyen Thi Nu striking over the crossbar in the 17th minute and Pham Thi Tuoi testing goalkeeper Lo Thi Long three minutes later.
It was not until the 32nd minute that national team forward Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung drove a subtle shot at the far corner to break the deadlock for the title holders.
Inspired by Dung’s opener, Phong Phu Ha Nam produced a fruitful second half, scoring four additional goals thanks to Nguyen Thi Quynh (46’ and 77’) and Nguyen Thi Nu (68’ and 83’), to seal a resounding 5-0 victory.
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Vinacomin (in red) also get off to a sweet start with a three-star win.
In another match on the opening day, Vinacomin beat TNG Thai Nguyen thanks to the three unanswered goals of Thuy Hang (9’ and 42’) and Nguyen Thi Hau (32’).
The tournament will continue today with a Ho Chi Minh City derby between HCM City I and HCM City II.
The annual championship brings together seven teams, including Hanoi, Phong Phu Ha Nam, Son La, HCM City I, HCM City II, Vinacomin and TNG Thai Nguyen. The participants compete in a double round robin tournament, with the first leg taking place in Khanh Hoa from June 10 to July 1, and the second leg slated for September 13-October 4 in the northern province of Ha Nam.
The overall champions will be awarded the trophy and VND300 million (US$12,900) in prize money.
