Football

VFF conducts a draw for the National Women's Football Cup which will begin on February 14 in Hà Nội. Photos of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Women footballers will take part in the National Women's Cup to warm up for the World Cup later this year.

The tournament will be held on February 14 to March 1 at the National Youth Football Training Centre and the Thanh Trì Stadium in Hà Nội.

Seven teams are divided into two groups. After a draw conducted on February 3, defending champions HCM City are in Group A with Việt Nam Coal and Minerals, Thái Nguyên T&T and Hà Nội II. Group B includes Hà Nội I, Phong Phú Hà Nam and Sơn La.

HCM versus Hà Nội II will be the opening match of the event.

Teams will compete in a round robin format with the two top ones advancing to the semi-finals.

Last year, HCM City beat Hà Nội I 5-4 in a penalty shootout to lift the trophy.

A draw of the National Girls' U16 Football Championship on February 3.

Also on February 3, organisers held a draw for the National Girls' U16 Football Championship.

The February 17-March 5 tournament will see the four participating teams of Phong Phú Hà Nam, Hà Nội, HCM City and Thái Nguyên T&T.

They will take part in a two-leg round robin format at the National Youth Football Training Centre. The top-placed team after two legs will secure the championship cup.

In the opening day, Phong Phú Hà Nam will see Hà Nội and HCM City will play Thái Nguyên T&T.

"2023 is a busy year for Việt Nam's women's football. The women's cup and U16 championship are the first events in the early months," said Dương Nghiệp Khôi, the Viet Nam Football Federation's General Secretary.

"Later on, the national team will be summoned for international events such as the 32nd SEA Games, the FIFA World Cup, the Asian Games and Olympics qualifications. Then, the national championship will be held by the end of the year. Clubs should stay focused on all activities, preparing their local and foreign players so that they will have high quality squads for tournaments," he said. VNS