Vietnamese players enjoy their 3-0 win over Indonesia at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup qualification on March 7 in Phú Thọ Province.

PHÚ THỌ — Việt Nam's strong start to the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup's qualification in Phú Thọ Province has bolstered the confidence of their coach, Akira Ijiri, in their chances of reaching the next year's finals. 

In their opening match of Group F, the hosts secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Indonesia on March 7 at the Việt Trì Stadium, placing them second in the group standings.

Việt Nam wasted no time in taking control of the match, with Lưu Hoàng Vân netting the opening goal just two minutes into the game with a powerful strike from close range.

Their lead was doubled six minutes later when Hoàng Thị Ngọc Ánh took advantage of a mistake by Indonesia's goalkeeper for a tap-in.

Ten minutes before the interval, Vũ Thị Hoa was fouled in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot, from which Hoa easily found the back of the net.

The second half still saw Việt Nam's domination continue, although they slightly took their foot off the gas. Vân, Nhật Lan and Hoa had threatening opportunities but could capitalise.

Lưu Hoàng Vân of Việt Nam scored the opening goal in the match between Việt Nam and Indonesia. Photo courtesy of the VFF

Coach Ijiri said he fielded Việt Nam's strongest lineup for the first match.

"We have prepared well for the tournament, and today, my players completed their task. Tomorrow is International Women's Day, and this win is a gift for the ladies," said Ijiri. 

Conversely, coach Rudy Eka Priyambada of Indonesia said the early goal in the first two minutes resulted from his players not hitting the ground running.

"It is the second time we played Việt Nam, a team with good players, high speed and impressive technique. Their tactics were also good in this match. Việt Nam played very well, showing why they are the leading team in Southeast Asia," said Priyambada, who congratulated the hosts on the win.

In the earlier match, captain Apurna Narzary and Anita scored a brace each as India cruised to an emphatic win over Singapore.

Narzary opened the scoring in the seventh minute before adding her second five minutes later.

Indian players celebrate a goal during a 7-0 win against Singapore. Photo courtesy of the AFC

Anita's goals came in the 16th and 31st minutes. Teammates Sumati Kumari scored in the 10th, Astam Oraon on 24 minutes, and Kajol Hubert one minute before the end.

Singapore coach Hew Seem Chris was upset about the result but believed his players did a better job in the second half. 

However, there is no respite for Singapore, who face Việt Nam next. He said his coaching staff have gathered as much information as possible on their rivals and will work hard ahead of the game. 

Indian coach Maymol Rocky said she was not surprised by a big win because India had prepared carefully for the tournament. She had worked with the team for a long time, and her players did a great job.

India are top of the table with a better goal difference. They will next play Indonesia, who are in third, on March 9, while Việt Nam will play bottom side Singapore in the later game. VNS