Football

Nguyễn Thị Thùy Nhi of VIệt Nam (right) knocks the ball past a Singapore player during their AFF U18 Women's Championship on July 24 in Palembang, Indonesia. Việt Nam won 9-0. Photo of AFF

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam trounced Singapore 9-0 in their opening Group A game at the AFF U18 Women’s Championship on July 24 in Palembang, Indonesia.

Lưu Hoàng Vân got a haul of four, Đặng Thị Duyên and Ngọc Minh Chuyên nabbed a double each while Hồ Thị Thanh Thảo netted once to give Việt Nam a well-worked-out win.

"My players strictly followed their tactics while showing off their personal abilities, and I am pleased with them," said Việt Nam coach Akira Ijiri.

"However, there are some things to be fixed and we need time for that," he said.

While Việt Nam picked up their first full points in the competition this year, the loss for Singapore was their second, following their close 1-0 defeat to host Indonesia two days earlier.

In another match on July 24, a late freekick from Sheva Imut Furyzcha gave Indonesia a well-earned 1-0 win over Cambodia in their second game of Group A at the Jakabaring Stadium.

“The late goal broke the deadlock. It was a tough game where we tried all available options against a Cambodian side that defended deep, well and hard. There are certain areas which we need to work on, especially on maintaining possession,” said Indonesia head coach Rudy Eka Priyambada.

Meanwhile, Cambodian head coach Tm Saray said despite the loss, his team did really well. There were some problems at the end, so it was a bit unfortunate to lose when the players tried so hard.

Việt Nam will next meet host Indonesia, who Ijiri said are a strong team in both fitness and speed. He said it will be a tough game for the Vietnamese girls on July 26.

The regional tournament sees nine teams competing in two groups.

The Group B  matches will be this afternoon with Australia playing the Philippines and Myanmar clashing Malaysia. 

The two best teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Coach Akira of Việt Nam said his players were excited to participate in the tournament. They were not asked to earn a medal but to gain experience for the Asian championship next year. VNS