Futsal 

Việt Nam top Group D to qualify for the 2025 Women's Asian Futsal Cup Finals which will be held in May in China. Photos of AFC

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam earned the right to join two-time champions Iran, Japan and hosts China at the 2025 Women's Asian Futsal Cup Finals, after retaining their top position on top of the qualifiers' group stage on January 19.

In spite of Việt Nam and Chinese Taipei having both already booked their tickets to the finals, they served up a classic in their battle to top the table. 

In their meet, Việt Nam came from behind to hold the tough rivals to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the MFF Futsal Indoor Stadium in Yangon.

Trịnh Nguyễn Thanh Hằng sounded the first warning for Việt Nam, firing a shot against the post in the third minute,after waltzing through on the right flank.

But it was Chinese Taipei which struck first, Chen Min-huang rifling home an unstoppable shot from distance into the top corner in the 10th minute that caught Ngô Nguyễn Thùy Linh unprepared.

Việt Nam drew level a minute later when Lê Thị Thanh Ngân finished off a flowing move, after receiving a great pass from Biện Thị Hằng. 

Biện Thị Hằng of Việt Nam (centre) tries to run away from from Chinese Taipei player during their Group D match which ended 2-2.

Việt Nam pushed hard for the equaliser after the break, with Trần Thị Thùy Trang dragging her shot just wide in the 25th minute after Chinese Taipei custodian Ou Yi-shian had rushed out of position.

Midway through the second half, Linh produced a great stop to deny Minh-huang at the end of a lung-bursting run from defence to keep Việt Nam from going further behind.

That save motivated Việt Nam to keep going and their efforts were rewarded in the 39th minute when Biện Hằng cut in from the left and curled the ball home for a share of the points and top spot in the group.

Việt Nam won two and drew one matches, scoring 28 goals and conceding two. They set a tournament's record with 21 goals scored on January 18. 

Việt Nam is one of 12 teams competing in the finals with the draw being held in Hohhot, China, on February 7. Meanwhile the tournament will be held between May 7 and 18. It will serve as the qualifying for the inaugural 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup in the Philippines. VNS