Vietnam qualify for 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals

Vietnam ousted Myanmar 2-0 in its last qualifying match of Group D in Hanoi on April 11 to ensure the group’s solitary ticket to the final round of the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Jordan from April 7 to 22.

Vietnamese players celebrate Tuyet Dung's opener against Myanmar.

Prior to the match, both teams had scored nine points, but Vietnam was ahead of Myanmar, thanks to a better goal difference. Therefore, a draw against Myanmar would ensure Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung and his players a place in Jordan next year.

With that as the backdrop, the host team entered the match cautiously focusing on defence and waiting for counterattack opportunities. Minutes before the break, Vietnam overlooked two scoring chances with a header missed by Hai Yen and an off target strike by Huynh Nhu.

Myanmar also took advantage of a Vietnamese defensive lapse to threaten with a shot at the cross bar earlier.

In the second half, Vietnam suddenly picked up pace and created pressure, forcing the guest team to work harder.

After two more misses by Vu Thi Nhung (46’) and Huynh Nhu (50’), striker Tuyet Dung successfully scored for Vietnam with an accurate shot on the rebound after the first shot hit the post.

The opener boosted the home side’s confidence, thus inspiring the team to play a brilliant match.

Vietnam would have been in an even better position if Huynh Nhu had been successful on the penalty spot following the Myanmar keeper’s infringement on Tuyet Dung in the 74th minute. However, Nhu quickly redeemed herself with a decisive goal eight minutes later, thereby sealing a convincing 2-0 win for Vietnam.

With the victory, Vietnam concluded its qualification campaign atop Group D scoring 12 points after four absolute wins, thus booking the group’s solitary ticket to the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals.

The final tournament will bring together eight teams, including hosts and Group A winners Jordan, 2014 champions Japan, 2014 runners-up Australia, 2014 third-placed team China, Group A runners-up Philippines, Group B winners Republic of Korea, Group C winner Thailand and Group D winner Vietnam.

The top five teams in Jordan next year will qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

(Source: NDO)