Vietnam edge past Philippines to enter AFF Women's Championship final

ABO/NDO – Vietnam came from a goal behind to beat the Philippines 2-1 in the semifinals of the 2019 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship on August 25 to make it through to the title decider.

Tuyet Dung celebrates with teammates after scoring the decisive goal for Vietnam. (Photo: Vnexp

Vietnam had a superior head-to-head record of 7-0 against the Philippine side, scoring up to 46 goals and only conceding twice in their 4-2 victory in 2012.

Given that fact, Mai Duc Chung’s side headed into the Sunday clash with great confidence. However, with many European-born players in the lineup, Marnelli Dimzon’s troops caused a lot of difficulties for the Vietnameses in finding their way to keeper Krisstiane Besa’s goal.

Even, the two-times champions suddenly fell behind in the 35th minute due to an own goal by defender Tran Thi Hong Nhung.

Goalie Kim Thanh saved Vietnam from conceding a second just four minutes later by working hard to block a cunning shot by Quezada from outside the box.

In the following minutes, Vietnam took advantage of the opponents’ defensive blank to deploy counterattacks.

The equaliser came to Mai Duc Chung’s side a few minutes from half-time, with striker Huynh Nhu blasting a shot toward the far bottom corner to bring the match back to the starting line.

After the break, Vietnam put up their pressure and created a number of chances to score. Hai Yen should have made it 2-1 for Vietnam in the 50th minute, but her shot was not good enough to beat keeper Krisstiane Besa.

However, the Vietnamese team had to wait only eight more minutes to turn the tables, with Tuyet Dung driving a beautiful curler from the edge of the box toward the far top corner to seal a 2-1 win and a place in the final match for Mai Duc Chung’s side.

Vietnam are now a win away from their third championship crown. Next up for them will be the August 27 title decider against the winner of the second semifinal between Thailand and Myanmar.

(Source: NDO)