YANGON (9 Sept 2013) – Defending champions Vietnam were held to a scoreless draw by Thailand in their opening Group A match of the AFF Women’s Championship that was played this afternoon at the Youth Training Centre.
Both teams certainly did not pull any punches as they fought gamely throughout the tie to win the full points although in the end, the one point earned is better than losing all three.
“It was a good start with both teams working hard to play a good game,” said Vietnam coach Chen Yun Fa. “We created chances but we were just unlucky to score.
“Can we defend the title we won last year? I think that it will be tough because there is Australia and Japan which will bring the tournament this year to a higher standard.”
Vietnam started strongly with Nguyen Thi Lieu testing Thai keeper Waraporn Boonsing with a shot that was blocked and then cleared on the line by defender Darut Changplook.
Then it was Le Thu Thanh Huong’s turn to have a crack at goal but her attempt went well over the target as Thailand replied with their first real chance in the 33rd minute with a header from Nisa Romyen that narrowly missed the crossbar.
With the score tied at the break, Vietnam pushed harder into the second half but both Nguyen Thi Muon and Le Thu muffed the chances presented to them.
“It was an important one point,” said Thai coach Jatuporn Pramolbal. “I only had some five weeks with this team, but I can see potential. I believe we can be stronger at the SEA Games in Myanmar and also for this same tournament next year.”
RESULT – Group A
Thailand 0 Vietnam 0
