Defender Kim Hong (R) controls the ball in front of a Thai defender in Sunday’s semifinal at Ho Chi Minh City’s Thanh Long Stadium

Vietnamese women stormed to the finals of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) women’s championship beating Thailand 2-1 in the semifinal at Ho Chi Minh City’s Thanh Long Stadium Sunday.

More than a thousand spectators stayed on to cheer the team long after the final whistle.

Defender Kim Hong, who scored both goals from penalty kicks, said: “This match is unforgettable for me. I have played against Thailand several times, but this is the first time I’ve scored two goals in a match to secure a victory for us.”

Former coach Le Ngo Bang was ecstatic. “Wonderful! The Vietnamese women played smartly and controlled the match to defeat Thailand. I believe they will continue to play well in the final.”

Current coach Chen Yun Fat said: “I would like to thank the Vietnamese fans and media who have stood by our side the whole time. My players show they have improved a lot. I am happy because they always train hard for their victories.

“Australian women are at a higher level, but my players will play well in the final,” Phat promised.

Thailand’s head coach Chana Yodprang was too upset to attend the post match press conference. The team’s head assistant Sopit Panomai said: “We have to accept the loss. The Vietnamese players played well and our players didn’t have many chances. I would like to congratulate the Vietnamese team.”

In the other semifinal, the Australian women crushed Myanmar 5-1.

Reported by Quang Huy