AFF WOMEN’S: Hosts Vietnam Charge Into The Final

HO CHI MINH CITY (20 Sept 2012) – Vietnam, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were simply unstoppable and Laos could do little from preventing the hosts from charging into the final of the AFF Women’s Championship here.

Despite all their efforts, Laos fell to a 7-0 loss in the first semi-finals of the day at the Thong Nhat Stadium this evening. Thailand will take on Myanmar in the other semi-final showdown later this evening.

Vietnam, led by their diminutive skipper, Tran Thi Kim Hong, were in the driver’s seat throughout the game. And after breaking the ice in the fifth minute, it was really Vietnam all the way.

Striker Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, Nguyen Thi Muon and Nguyen Thi Hoa all scored twice each with Le Thu Thanh Huong contributing the last goal of the game.

It did not take long for Vietnam to fire the first salvo. Just five minutes into the game, the hosts fired ahead through Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet who blasted from close range.

It could have been two minutes earlier but Nguyen Thi Muon’s strike, after being set-up by Nguyen Thi Hoa, sailed directly into the arms of a relieved Laos keeper, Hongthong Choulapanh.

By the 18th minute, the game was all but over as Vietnam went on to reel in two more goals.

Striker Thi Muon swept past the Laos defence twice in a space of three minutes to put the score at 3-0. She struck the goals n the 15th and 18th minutes.

Vietnam tried hard to get more goals but the Laos defence began to consolidate their positions at the back and were better prepared to turn away any further strikes.

In the last few minutes, opening goal scorer, Thi Minh Nguyet’s close-range shot was saved by Hongthong.

Laos came on looking better composed after the break and did well to contain their opponents for the next 20 minutes. But a 67th minute goal from Thi Minh Nguyet re-opened the floodgates.

Vietnam added more goals through Thi Hoa (68th, 72nd), Le Thu Thanh Huong (77th).

Laos must thank goalkeeper Hongthong who managed to stop many shots from making it past her.

 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Kate Jacewicz (Aus)

Asst Referee 1: Merlo Albano (Phi)

Asst Referee 2: Su Nyein Thein (Mya)

Fourth official: Patchaya Boonprasit (Tha)

Match Commissioner: Kanya Keomany (Lao)

Referee Assessor: Chalach Piromya (Tha)

General Coordinator: Andrew Lim (Sin)

 

AFF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 2012

(All matches at Thong Nhat Stadium)

GROUP A: Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines

GROUP B: Thailand, Laos, Malaysia