Brian Jeffrey
Head coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang made strategic decisions for his team while facing a tough lineup of five matches across five days. During the group stage match against Thailand on November 20, which aimed to identify the top two teams, he opted to start mostly substitute players. This approach allowed key starters time to recuperate, although Vietnam faced a disappointing 0-3 defeat.
In the subsequent final on November 21, both Vietnam and Thailand showcased their strongest squads.
The match was closely contested, with both teams trading chances throughout. Vietnam maintained 50% possession and attempted 31 shots on goal, landing 14 on target, while Thailand took 29 shots, 15 of which were on target. Despite multiple scoring opportunities, neither team found the net during regulation, resulting in extra time.
In the third minute of the first extra period, Phuong Anh made a pivotal play from the sidelines. Her shot deflected off a Thai defender, deceiving the goalkeeper and sealing the first goal.
This lead invigorated captain Tran Thi Thuy Trang and her teammates, who played with newfound confidence. Goalkeeper Ngo Nguyen Thuy Linh made several outstanding saves to keep the score secure.
However, in the second minute of the final extra period, a slip by Thanh Ngan led to an own goal, equalizing the match. Yet, Thailand’s celebration was short-lived, as Phuong Anh swiftly reclaimed the lead for Vietnam with a clever quick shot from a corner kick.
In the remaining minutes, the Vietnamese team defended vigorously against Thailand’s aggressive playstyle. Their determination paid off, culminating in a 2-1 victory, marking them as the inaugural champions of the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship.
Following their victory, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Executive Committee extended congratulations and awarded the team a bonus of VND 600 million.
Champion: Vietnam
Runner-up: Thailand
Third place: Indonesia
Top Scorer: Nguyen Phuong Anh (5 goals)
Best Player: Trinh Nguyen Thanh Hang
