HÀ NỘI — Thái Nguyên defeated HCM City 2, 2-1 in round 12 of the National Women’s Football Championship in the northern province of Hà Nam on November 20.

Although HCM City 2 were weaker than Thái Nguyên, they made sure Thái Nguyên faced many difficulties in attack during the first half.

HCM City 2 played very confidently, causing Thái Nguyên to be fully stretched to resist. However, no goals were scored during this time.

After the break, Thái Nguyên bounced back, with many sharp attacks.

In the 58th minute, Nguyễn Thị Thảo Lang, captain of HCM City 2, made an error in the penalty area and Trần Mai Tuyền didn’t miss a chance to open the score for Thái Nguyên with a penalty shot.

Just few minutes later, Hoàng Thị Thảo doubled the score to 2-0 for Thái Nguyên.

When the game had only minute to end, Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Hiếu narrowed the gap to 1-2 for HCM City 2.

In another match played at Thiên Trường Stadium in the northern province of Nam Định, defending champions HCM 1 easily beat Sơn La 3-0.

HCM 1’s goals belonged to Trần Nguyễn Bảo Châu in the fourth minute, Trần Thị Kim Hồng in the 31st minute and Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Ngân in the 67th minute.

With this win, HCM City 1 maintained their top position in the rankings with 33 points, followed by Phong Phú Hà Nam with 27 points and Việt Nam Coal and Mineral with 25 points. The three teams have earned tickets to compete in the event’s semi-finals. The remaining ticket is likely to belong Hà Nội 1, who have six points more than Thái Nguyên, while the qualifying round has only two more games. — VNS