Viet Nam win ASEAN crown

Champions: Vietnamese players and officials celebrate after winning the ASEAN women's football tournament at HCM City's Thong Nhat Stadium on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Quang Nhut

HCM CITY (VNS) — Viet Nam won the ASEAN Football Federation's Women's Football Championships after beating Myanmar 4-3 on a penalty shootout following a goalless draw after 120 minutes on Saturday.

While Tran Thi Kim Hong, Le Thi Thuong, Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet and Le Thu Thanh Huong were all successful in taking their penalties, Myanmar were on target in the first three shots until Khin Marlar Tun hit the post and Khin Moe Wai's shot was saved by Dang Thi Kieu Trinh.

The title was the second for Viet Nam since the tournament began in 2006.

"We played well and I would like to thank fans for their support," head coach Chen Yun Fat said.

Captain Thuong paid tribute to coach Chen who prepared the team both physically and tactically.

It was Myanmar's second time as runners-up.

"Our players tried their best," Myanmar head coach Kumada Yoshinori said. "Viet Nam were the better team and deserve to be champions."

Both teams entered the match brimming with confidence after encouraging victories in the semifinals but they gave priority to defence to ensure safety in front of the goal, which dashed fans' hopes for an exhilarating game.

As a result, no team came close to breaking the deadlock, except in extra time when Viet Nam wasted two golden opportunities, both at the boot of Captain Thuong. She dragged the ball off target in an unmarked position, 10m out from an open goal, and later she failed to make contact with a pass from Hong.

Although having a numerical advantage in the last 10 minutes of extra time, after Thidar Oo was red-carded for tripping Huong, Viet Nam could not beat the Myanmar defenders, who looked strong despite a grueling semi-final match against Thailand.

Thailand beat Laos 14-1 in the playoff for a bronze. — VNS