Hanoi – The opening round of the 2025 Women’s National Cup kicked off on the afternoon of March 25 at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, delivering a mix of intrigue and fireworks. Defending champions Than KSVN secured an easy victory over Son La, though the scoreline wasn’t specified, while their marquee clash with Phong Phu Ha Nam ended in a gripping 0-0 draw. Meanwhile, in Group A, Thai Nguyen T&T overcame a stubborn Son La side with a commanding 4-0 win, fueled by a late surge and a Bich Thuy hat-trick.
The Than KSVN versus Phong Phu Ha Nam showdown drew significant attention, pitting the reigning titleholders against a confident Ha Nam outfit buoyed by three youth championship triumphs. Than KSVN, determined to defend their crown, embraced an attacking approach from the whistle, eager to establish dominance in a tough Group B that also includes Hanoi. Coach Nguyen Khanh Thu’s Phong Phu Ha Nam, however, opted for a composed, compact defense, wary of exposing themselves to the counterattacking threat posed by the “Coal Miners.” The first half saw both sides probe without success, with Than KSVN’s aggression met by Ha Nam’s disciplined resistance, ending goalless.
The second half opened up, promising a breakthrough as play grew more dynamic. Than KSVN carved out chances but squandered them, their forwards unable to find the clinical edge needed to breach Ha Nam’s backline. Phong Phu Ha Nam held firm, and the match concluded 0-0, leaving Group B’s pecking order murky. “We had opportunities, but the finishing wasn’t there,” a Than KSVN source lamented. The stalemate keeps both teams in contention, though Hanoi’s looming presence adds pressure for their next outings.
In Group A, Thai Nguyen T&T faced an unexpected test from underdogs Son La. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, the “Tea Team” struggled to break through Son La’s resilient defense in the first half, which held firm at 0-0. The mountain province representatives frustrated their fancied opponents with tenacity, defying pre-match predictions. However, the tide turned in the 74th minute when Le Hoai Luong pierced Son La’s resolve with the opener. As Son La pushed for an equalizer, gaps emerged, and Bich Thuy capitalized ruthlessly, netting three goals between the 78th and 92nd minutes to seal a 4-0 rout.
Thai Nguyen T&T’s late flurry underscored their attacking depth, while Than KSVN’s draw highlighted areas for improvement. With Hanoi yet to play in Group B and Ho Chi Minh City lurking in Group A, the tournament’s early twists promise a fiercely contested race to the semifinals.
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