Football

Captain Lê Hồng Yêu of Hà Nam (left) dribbles away from a defender of Hà Nội during their match of the National Girls' U16 Football Championship on February 17. Photo of VFF

HÀ NỘI -- All matches ended in draw results in the first round of the National Girls' U16 Football Championship on February 17 in Hà Nội.

HCM City drew Thái Nguyên T&T 1-1 in a match that saw both sides attacking from the beginning.

Trần Thị Hương opened the score at the 21st minute for Thái Nguyên and Đậu Nguyễn Quỳnh Anh netted to level for HCM City at the 74th minute mark.

Earlier, defending champions Phong Phú Hà Nam tied hosts Hà Nội in a goalless opening match.

It was a rematch of the two sides since Hà Nam defeated Hà Nội 4-0 last October to lift the championship trophy.

On February 17, Hà Nội quickly set up a series of attacks but their strikers could not find the back of Hà Nam's net.

On the other side, Hà Nam counter-attacked. They stayed strong against Hà Nội's attempts until the last whistle.

Captain Lê Hồng Yêu of Hà Nam was voted the woman of the match and received VNĐ1 million.

Next, Hà Nội will play Thái Nguyên and Hà Nam will face HCM City on February 20.

The National Girls' U16 Football Championship is held at the Việt Nam Football Federation's Việt Nam Youth Football Centre.

Four teams compete in a two-leg round robin tournament which is sponsored by Hưng Thịnh Land. The best team will walk away with VNĐ100 million from the tournament and another VNĐ50 million from Măng Đen Coffee brand.

The second-placed team will enjoy a total of VNĐ110 million while third place one will receive VNĐ70 million.

Organisers will also present VNĐ40 million to the most fair-play team.

Other awards will be given to MVP, top scorer, best goalkeeper and woman of the match.

"After seven seasons, the U16 championship has proven its importance in the competition system of women's football," said VFF Deputy General Secretary Nguyễn Thanh Hà.

"This is a playing ground where young players show off their ability and gain experience for further higher competitions. This year, all teams have prepared well for the championship so we believe it will be an aggressive tournament with high quality and beautiful games,” she said. VNS