Defender Bùi Thị Phương Nguyên of Việt Nam (left) vies for a ball against Indonesian forward Marsela Yuliana Awi in their AFF U18 Women Championship. Việt Nam wins 2-1. Photo of AFF

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam topped Group A after coming from behind to beat host Indonesia 2-1 in their match at the AFF U18 Women’s Championship 2022 at the Jakabaring Stadium, Palembang, on July 26.

Both teams realised the importance of the game as they chased a semi-final slot, leading to early attacks from both sides. 

Indonesia had the first threatening chance in the 13th minute when Shave Imut Furyzcha fired over the crossbar. 

Việt Nam's Lưu Hoàng Vân replied with a shot that was blocked by Indonesian goalie Fani.

Vân and Ngọc Minh Chuyên later failed to put their names on board after wasting clear opportunities.

Indonesia went ahead in the 38th minute with a curling shot from Marsela Awi from the edge of the Vietnamese box.

Chuyên found the equaliser for the visitors in extra time of the first half sending an intelligent free kick by Hồ Thị Thanh Hảo home.

Nguyễn Thị Như Quỳnh stabbed the ball home from a corner kick to give Việt Nam the lead in the 73rd minute in what turned out to be the winner.

Indonesia made several changes to level the score and created several chances. However, they were not able to bag a goal.

“It was a very good match. I said before the tournament that I wanted to elevate the women’s game in Việt Nam and ASEAN. And as you can see, Indonesia are a very good side. I thought we were lucky to win this game between two teams of equal strength,” said Việt Nam head coach Akira Ijiri.

Coach Rudy Eka Priyambada of Indonesia said: “Two goals from set pieces showed that we have a problem in this area and it is one we need to address. We still have one more game to go, and we are not giving up yet. There’s still a chance,” said Indonesia head coach Rudy Eka Priyambada.”

Việt Nam will play Cambodia next on July 28, while Indonesia will meet powerhouse Thailand at the Gelora Jakabaring Stadium.

Thailand, on July 26, picked up their second win in the group when they trounced Singapore 6-0.

The Thais started slowly in the first half and could only manage a 1-0 lead when Thawanrat Promthongmee converted from the spot kick in the 45th minute.

But the second half saw Thailand become more aggressive, taking advantage of a fast-tiring Singapore side to add further goals through Aimee Kahapan (53), Promthongmee (56), Jeena Thongpan (78), Supansa Trisutho (84) and Thanchanok Jansri (86). 

Thailand, with six points like Việt Nam, placed second while Indonesia also with six are third on goal difference. Singapore was eliminated, having no points after three matches.

In today’s Group B fixtures, the Philippines will see Myanmar before Malaysia meet Australia at the Jakabaring Athletic Field. VNS