Footballer Doan Kim Chi returns to play for the women’s national team.

Head coach Chen Yun Fat has worked with the Viet Nam Football Federation since the national championship to finalise the squad.

The Chinese expert closely followed the tournament, won by Ha Noi, and compiled a draft of 25 players.

The return of HCM City’s veteran halfback Doan Thi Kim Chi is the most controversial.

Chi decided to quit the national team last June but Chen was influenced by her outstanding form during the championship.

Despite being in her 30s, Chen makes a second return to the side after quitting.

Vu Thi Lanh is also selected. The experienced player had problems when she planed to move to another team and was not played for several months. But she kept at her peak and played well when given the chance.

HCM City’s Dang Thi Kieu Trinh was an obvious choice as the top goalkeeper while her substitute is Duong Thi Khanh Ly, of Hoa Hop Ha Noi.

Newcomer Nguyen Thanh Hao, from Coal and Minerals,earned her place after being named the championship’s best goalkeeper.

Changes in defence include Nguyen Hai Hoa, of Thai Nguyen, and Nguyen Thi Hanh, from Coal and Minerals.

Hoa, who was called previously but has not played any games, enjoyed an outstanding competition.

Ha Noi’s Do Thi Ngoc Cham was an obvious choice for the forward line, being the championship’s top scorer with seven goals and winner of last year’s Golden Ball award.

Cham will be supported by Le Thi Oanh, of Hoa Hop Ha Tay, Bui Thi Phuong, of Coal and Minerals and newcomer Nguyen Thi Nguyet from Phong Phu Ha Nam.

Nguyet scored six goals for her team at the championship.

The final squad will be named on May 24 in HCM City and have a week of training in China, which aims to prepare the players for December’s Southeast Asian Games in Laos. The Asian championships are in Thailand next July.

VietNamNet/VNS