Futsal

Trần Thị Duyên of Phong Phú Hà Nam (left) and Bùi Thị Trang of Hà Nội at the National Women's Futsal Championship on June 9 in Hà Nam Province. VNS Photo Đức Cường

HÀ NAM — Hà Nội drew 1-1 with Phong Phú Hà Nam in the opening match of the National Women's Futsal Championship on June 9 in Hà Nam Province.

Backed by home support, Phong Phú Hà Nam pushed from the off, testing the visitors from with a series of strong attacks.

Hà Nội fought back desperate to take the first three points.

They got their reward in the 13th minute when Bùi Thị Trang converted one of Hà Nội's opportunities.

The 26-year-old broke through Hà Nam's defence rounding goalkeeper Hải Yến to slot into the empty net.

Phong Phú Hà Nam took just five minutes to get back on level terms. Trần Thị Duyên controlled the ball and dribbled into the Hà Nội's half before shooting into the top corner of the net.

Both side had chances to win the game but wasted a number of good opportunities.

In the earlier match, HCM City beat Luxsen Paint 3-1 to top the table.

K’Thủa scored the first goal of the tournament at the 14th minute.

Hồng Huế levelled the score just a minute later. Her teammate Ánh Ngọc pushed Luxsen ahead with a straight shot at the 16th mark.

Hoàng Thị Nương netted for HCM City to end Luxsen's two-minute lead.

HCM City dominated the second half but they could only score one more goal near the end of the match by Thanh Như.

In the second edition, the championship sees the participation of five teams of Hà Nội, Phong Phú Hà Nam, Luxsen, Thái Sơn Nam and HCM City.

They will compete in round robin format with two strongest teams advancing to the final on June 19.

The champions will walk away with VNĐ100 million (US$4,250). The first and second runners-up will collect VNĐ80 million and VNĐ50 million, respectively.

Other awards are Fair-play team, top scorer, MVP and best goalkeeper.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, VFF General Secretary Dương Nghiệp Khôi said the national championship was an important event where players show off their ability while coaches scout the most talented on for the national team.

Last year, Thái Sơn Nam District 8 won 3-2 over Phong Phú Hà Nam I to top the podium. Hà Nội took the third position. VNS