Vietnamese women celebrate beating Myanmar in the opener of the Southeast Asia Women’s Football Championship at HCMC’s Thanh Long Stadium Wednesday

The Vietnamese women Wednesday beat defending champions Myanmar 3-1 in the group stage of the Southeast Asia Women’s Football Championship at Ho Chi Minh City’s Thanh Long Stadium.

Striker Ngoc Cham capitalized on a pass from Minh Nguyet to draw first blood 20 minutes into the match.

Cham doubled the lead for Vietnam in the 64th minute, redirecting a corner kick by Kim Hong into the back of Myanmar’s net.

However, the visitors showed resiliency in rallying back as Aye Nadar Hlaing scored in the 70th minute.

After the goal, the Burmese women fortified their attacks and kept up pressure on the home team. A potential disaster was averted when goalkeeper Kieu Trinh saved a penalty kick by Myanmar’s San San Maw in the 77th minute.

The victory was finally secured when Nguyen Thi Nga struck three minutes from time, closing out the 3-1 tally.

After the match, Vietnam’s coach Chen Yun Fat delivered high praise for his players’ performances.

In a later match, Laotian women defeated Indonesia 1-0.

Reported by Dang Khoa