Right from the opening minutes, coach Nguyen Đinh Hoang’s players put pressure on the opponent’s half.
Vietnam took the lead in the 13th minute when Thanh Ngan forced an own goal from the opposition. Just a minute later, she added her name to the scoresheet with a precise strike.
Hong Kong pulled one back through Wu Choi Yiu, but Thu Xuan restored Vietnam’s cushion just before the halftime whistle to make it 3-1.
However, Vietnam lost momentum early in the second half, allowing Hong Kong to equalize 3-3 after a goal by Poon Ka Ka.
In the 30th minute, from a set-piece situation, Thu Xuan delivered a low cross for Nguyet Vi to run onto and strike a sharp low shot past goalkeeper Chuek Wai, putting Vietnam ahead 4-3.
Just one minute later, Thanh Ngan left her mark again with a powerful free-kick from close range, sealing a 5-3 victory for the Vietnamese women.
This opening win gives coach Nguyen Đinh Hoang’s squad a significant advantage in the race to advance to the next round of the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Championship.
Despite earning three points, coach Nguyen Đinh Hoang noted that the team still has much to improve in upcoming matches. “After this match, the coaching staff will review the video for analysis and adjustments. It’s clear we didn’t start the game well, and maintaining focus at key moments is still something we need to work on.”
With this win, Vietnam temporarily leads Group B, edging out Iran on goal difference. Iran also earned three points with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Philippines in their opener.
On May 9, the team will play its second group match against the Philippines, before facing Iran in the final group-stage match.
HY