SEA Games

Vietnamese players celebrate striker Hải Yến’s opening goal (No 12). — VNA/VNS Photos Minh Quyết

Thanh Nga

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam defeated Malaysia 3-0 in their first Group A match of the SEA Games’ women’s football in Cambodia on Wednesday.

With the strength of defending champions, it was not difficult for Việt Nam to overwhelm Malaysia from the first minutes of the match.

Striker Phạm Hải Yến opened Việt Nam's account in the fifth minute. From Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy’s right-wing pass, Yến found the back of the net. The Hanoian has now scored in four SEA Games in a row since 2017. It was her 40th international goal.

Another chance came to Việt Nam in the 16th minute. Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Anh popped up in the penalty area and shot, but the ball hit the crossbar. Yến got on the rebound and forced an excellent save from goalkeeper Ezza Razak.

Việt Nam threatened the goal again, as Dương Thị Văn passed smoothly from the right wing before captain Huỳnh Như released the ball to Yến for the finish. The Malaysian goalkeeper was helpless, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out.

In the 24th minute, Bích Thùy doubled the score for the Vietnamese side. Như set up Thùy for the finish, who gave the goalkeeper no chance.

Malaysia were on the backfoot and pinned in their half, while Việt Nam calmly dictated the pace of the game.

Như continued to be prominent. The striker, who is playing in Portugal, was at the centre of the SEA Games champion's attacks. She escaped on the left and crossed the ball, causing Malaysian defender Jaciah Jumilis to put it into the back of her own net in the 35th minute.

After the break, the Vietnamese women continued to dominate the game with Thanh Nhã bring energy when she entered the fray.

In the 65th minute, Yến had another shot stopped by goalkeeper Ezza Razak.

Four minutes later, Malaysia had their first real chance. Henrietta Justine evaded the players in red and fired a shot, but couldn't capitalise. 

Việt Nam celebrate beating Malaysia in the women’s football at the SEA Games in Cambodia on Wednesday.

Như then managed to put the ball into the Malaysian net in the 82nd minute but was called back by the referee.

Victory over Malaysia helps Việt Nam temporarily rise to the top of Group A. On May 6, Việt Nam will face Myanmar.

Meanwhile, in the other match at the same time on Wednesday, Thailand easily beat Singapore 4-0 to go top of Group B. VNS