Vietnam’s women footballers were held 1-1 by Myanmar in their second match at the 25th South East Asian Games in Vientiane Tuesday.

After the break, Vietnam continued to control the ball and the dominance paid off in a goal after 10 minutes when veteran midfielder Kim Chi scored from a free kick some 20 meters from Myanmar’s goal.

Vietnam continued to put great pressure on Myanmar and many assumed they had clinched victory. But Myanmar was then offered a penalty kick.

The referee ruled that Vietnam goalkeeper Kieu Trinh had tackled a Myanmar forward in the penalty area 15 minutes from full time. Moe Moe War beat goalie Kieu Trinh from the spot to equalize for Myanmar.

Vietnam should also have been given a penalty kick five minutes later when Nguyen Thi Nga was pulled down in Myanmar’s penalty area. But the referee didn’t think it was a foul.

The Vietnamese women are now in second place with four points after the draw and an 8-0 win over Malaysia in the opener on Sunday. Thailand tops the table with seven points.

Vietnam needs to beat hosts Laos in the next match to ensure a berth in the finals.

The women’s football category attracted five teams from Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Laos. The five squads are playing a round-robin competition.

Source: Thanh Nien