Football

HÀ NỘI — Coach Đoàn Thị Kim Chi and her HCM City team made it a title triple yesterday, beating Phong Phú Hà Nam in a penalty shootout to win the National Women’s Football Championship trophy.

The victory in Hà Nam Province helped the team set a record that no club has matched in the nation’s football history, including all men’s teams.

The final win was also the 14^th consecutive match in the national tournament that they have not lost, with custodian Đặng Thị Kiều Trinh not letting any opponent go past her in nine games (before the final), setting another record.

Phong Phú Hà Nam, playing at home, had thousands of supporters who expected to see their team win the national title for the first time.

Their strong pressure brought results 20 minutes into the match as Vũ Thị Thúy opened the score for the hosts.

Thúy outran HCM City midfielder and national team member Chương Thị Kiều from the centre to near the box, and shot to the far corner of the net past goalie Trinh, a former national player, who made a valiant dive in vain.

However, just four minutes later, HCM City restored parity with Bảo Châu making a long-distance finish. Midfielder Hồng Nhung of Phong Phú Hà Nam tried to head it away but her attempt only delivered the ball to a high corner of the net past helpless goalkeeper Hải Yến.

The result was maintained until the end of the game, forcing participants into a penalty shootout.

While four HCM City strikers were successful, Phong Phú Hà Nam’s Bùi Thị Như and Đỗ Thị Nguyên missed the target.

“The victory is for our great supporters who have come and encouraged us with great excitement,” said Chi.

Their third national title is HCM City’s seventh trophy, making them the second richest collector following Hà Nội 1, who have 10.

HCM City enjoyed a bonus of VNĐ300 million (US$13,400). Trinh was chosen as the best goalie and Huỳnh Như the best scorer with nine goals.

Phong Phú Hà Nam pocketed VNĐ200 million. Their Nguyễn Thị Liễu was chosen best player of the tournament.

Hà Nội 1 and Việt Nam Coal and Minerals shared third place at the national tournament.

TNG’s Thái Nguyên received fair-play award.

The players can enjoy several weeks of rest before the national team will be summoned to prepare for the Asian Women’s Football Championship in Jordan next April.

According to Việt Nam Football Federation General Secretary Lê Hoài Anh, the team will train in Germany before the Jordan tournament.

Việt Nam are expected to grab a 2019 World Cup ticket from the continent-level tournament. — VNS