AFC U19 Women's Championship

Vietnam make a good start thanks to 2-0 win over hosts Thailand

Vietnam made a good start to their 2019 AFC U19 Women’s Championship campaign, as they secured an important 2-0 win over hosts Thailand in their Group A opener on October 27.

Vietnam (in red) made an ideal start to their AFC U19 Women’s Championship campaign on Sunday with a vital 2-0 win over hosts Thailand. (Photo: AFC)
Vietnam (in red) made an ideal start to their AFC U19 Women’s Championship campaign on Sunday with a vital 2-0 win over hosts Thailand. (Photo: AFC)

>>> Vietnam U19 women leave for AFC Championship in Thailand

A second-half penalty from captain Nguyen Thi Tuyet Ngan and Ngan Thi Van Su’s late effort helped coach Ijiri Akira’s side win the full three points at the Chonburi Stadium, creating favourable conditions for the race on the continental playground.

The home team played aggressively right from the opening whistle but goalkeeper Nguyen Thi Loan played quite impressively, neutralising the opponents’ attacks in the first half.

Thailand still dominated after the restart and Chatchawan Rodthong hit the frame of the Vietnamese goal with goalkeeper Loan beaten.

Vietnam’s efforts paid off as they went ahead in the 58th minute. Tuyet Ngan picked herself up to score from the spot after being upended in the box by Thai goalkeeper Ponpimon Ngoenphon.

Vietnamese players celebrate after a goal against hosts Thailand. (Photo: AFC)

The opening goal eased the pressure for Vietnam and helped them play more confidently. In contrast, the hosts were more pressured and forced to focus on finding an equaliser. In the 76th minute, forward Nadia Jehda almost succeeded but Loan made a brilliant save.

When the match seemed to be closed with the score of 1-0 in favour of Vietnam, Van Su fired home past Ponpimon in the second minute of added time to secure the full three points for her side.

The hard-fought victory saw Vietnam move to second in the Group A standings following DPR Korea’s comprehensive 5-1 defeat of Australia earlier in the day.

Vietnam will next face DPR Korea on Wednesday, the same day as Thailand will meet Australia.

Group A standings after matchday one. (Photo: AFC)

At the tournament, Vietnam are in Group A against hosts Thailand, DPR Korea and Australia, while Group B consists of Japan, China, the Republic of Korea and Myanmar.

The three best teams in the tournament will represent Asia to compete in the 2020 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.