Hanoi – Vietnamese football is gearing up for a landmark encounter as the U17 women’s national team faces off against their Thai counterparts on April 3, a match steeped in significance beyond the pitch.
This friendly is part of a series of events celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand, spotlighting the growing stature of women’s football in Southeast Asia. Set for 3:00 p.m. at the People’s Police Academy Stadium, the clash promises both rivalry and camaraderie.
Leading U17 Vietnam is newly appointed Japanese coach Okiyama Masahiko, who took the reins of both the U17 and U20 women’s teams in early March 2025. This game marks his debut, a rare instance of a foreign head coach guiding Vietnam’s young female talents. Masahiko’s arrival signals the Vietnam Football Federation’s (VFF) commitment to sustainable growth in women’s football, prioritizing investment in youth development. With a pedigree from Japan—where women’s football thrives—his tactical insight could herald a new era for Vietnam’s junior squads.
The U17 women’s team began their training camp on March 28, assembling 24 players under Masahiko’s watch. With just five days to gel before the Thai showdown, the focus is on cohesion and strategy. Thailand’s U17 squad, meanwhile, is slated to arrive in Vietnam on April 1, giving them ample time to acclimate. Both teams, representing Southeast Asia’s fiercest women’s football rivalry, bring rich histories: Vietnam qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while Thailand made the 2015 and 2019 editions. This legacy fuels their competitive edge and mutual progress.
For Vietnam, the match is a chance to test Masahiko’s early impact against a familiar foe. Thailand’s U17s, likely mirroring their seniors’ physicality and pace, will challenge Vietnam’s emerging stars. “It’s more than a friendly—it’s a milestone,” a VFF official said. “Both nations have pushed each other to World Cup heights, and now our youth teams carry that torch.” The diplomatic backdrop adds weight, with officials from both countries expected to attend, underscoring football’s role in bilateral ties.
Fans anticipate a spirited duel, pitting Vietnam’s disciplined play against Thailand’s flair. For Masahiko, it’s a baptism by fire and an opportunity to lay a foundation for the 2026 AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. As the countdown begins, this April 3 clash promises to blend celebration with competition, spotlighting the future of women’s football in the region.
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