Vietnam Qualifies for the 2024 U20 Women’s Asian Cup

On Monday night, Vietnam achieved a place in the 2024 AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup football tournament by beating Lebanon 3-0 in Group A of the second qualifying round.

Administrator

1 July, 2023

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In a thrilling match at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam, Ngoc Minh Chuyen, an impressive sixteen-year-old forward, demonstrated his skill by scoring two goals. Leading the team, captain Le Thi Bao Tram also contributed to the win by scoring another goal. This fantastic performance secured a well-deserved victory for the team.

Vietnam secured a triumphant 3-2 victory over Iran on Saturday in their qualifying campaign’s debut. With the goal of qualifying for the finals, Vietnam aimed to earn an additional three points by defeating Lebanon. The likelihood of success seemed high considering Lebanon’s lesser reputation in the competition.

Despite their height advantage, the Lebanese women’s team struggled to maintain their dominance on the court.

After approximately 30 minutes of persistent resistance, they started showing signs of vulnerability.

Vietnam swiftly took control of the situation, leveraging the exceptional agility, speed, and skill of Minh Chuyen, Luu Hoang Van, and Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh.

Despite skipper Bao Tram skillfully heading the ball into the net during a well-executed corner kick, her remarkable goal went unnoticed and unrecognized by the officials.

According to the referee’s decision, Bao Tram executed her header after the ball crossed the goal line.

Nonetheless, despite facing tough opposition, Vietnam managed to find the back of the net in the first half. In the final minute, Minh Chuyen showcased his skill and determination as he dribbled past defenders and scored a decisive goal.

Vietnam continued to maintain their advantage in the second half, with opportunities continuing to arise. Despite not always initiating attacks at a rapid pace, the Vietnamese players still showed determination and effectiveness.

In the 77th minute, Bao Tram skillfully scored a goal against the Lebanese goalkeeper after receiving a precise cross from Le Thi Trang. This incredible play further extended Vietnam’s lead in the match.

Vietnamese (white) and Lebanese players compete during their game in Group A of the second qualifying round for the 2024 AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam, June 5, 2023. Photo: Vietnam Football Federation

Vietnamese and Lebanese players are seen competing during their game in Group A of the second qualifying round for the 2024 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup. The match took place at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam on June 5, 2023. The photo is courtesy of the Vietnam Football Federation.

Vietnamese (white) and Lebanese players compete during their game in Group A of the second qualifying round for the 2024 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam, June 5, 2023. Photo: Vietnam Football Federation

Two minutes later, Le Thi Trang set up Minh Chuyen again, assisting her in completing a double.

The score remained 3-0 for the duration of the game.

In the previous match on the same day, Australia secured a convincing victory over Iran with a scoreline of 3-0.

With both Vietnam and Australia earning six points each after two games, they have securely secured their spots in the finals of the 2024 AFC Asian Women’s U20 tournament with just one match remaining.

The two teams are set to face each other on Wednesday in order to determine the top spot in Group A.

Iran and Lebanon are both out of the tournament after failing to secure any points in their two matches.

Vietnam sailed through the initial qualifiers in March, leaving a powerful mark on the field with commanding wins of 3-0 and 11-0 against Cambodia and Singapore. Their performance was further solidified with a strong 1-1 draw against India.

Joining Australia and Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea have all qualified for the finals. Uzbekistan will be hosting the event, with defending champions Japan, runners-up North Korea, and third-placed South Korea also competing.

The remaining two qualifying spots from Group B will be decided among Myanmar, China, Nepal, and Taiwan. It will be an exciting battle to see which teams will come out on top and advance to the next round. Each team will have to give their all and showcase their skills to secure their place in the playoffs. The competition is fierce, and every match will be crucial. It’s going to be an intense and thrilling battle until the very end. Who will emerge as the victors and secure a spot in the next stage? Only time will tell.

Vietnam has participated in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup on six previous occasions. Their most successful run was in 2004 when they reached the quarterfinals.

The highly anticipated 2024 edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place from March 3 to 16 next year. This exciting event will showcase eight teams, which will be split into two groups.

The top three teams will earn qualification for the 2024 U20 Women’s World Cup.