Tokyo, April 23, 2025 – Vietnam’s women’s futsal team launched their Japan training camp with a confident 2-0 victory over club side Fugador Sumida Ladies in a friendly on April 23, as part of their preparation for the 2026 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup. The match, played at Sumida City Gymnasium, showcased Vietnam’s potential under coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang.
With the friendly serving as a warm-up for the continental championship, Vietnam played with freedom, dictating a high-tempo game that boded well for their campaign. Star striker Nguyen Thanh Ngan stole the show, scoring twice—first in the 3rd minute with a clinical finish, then in the 8th minute after a swift counter—securing a 2-0 lead that held firm. Her brace, echoing Hanoi Police FC’s attacking flair in football, gave Vietnam a dream start and sealed the win.
Post-match, Nguyen Dinh Hoang praised the opposition’s quality, noting: “Sumida Ladies played with high intensity and pushed the pace relentlessly. We started well, controlling the game, but our finishing needs sharpening, and defensively, we lost control in key moments.” Despite areas for improvement, Hoang expressed satisfaction with the team’s display, which mirrored The Cong Viettel’s disciplined approach in high-stakes settings.
The victory marks a positive step in Vietnam’s first overseas camp since their 2024 Southeast Asian bronze. Thanh Ngan, who netted five goals at that tournament, remains the linchpin, supported by captain Tran Thi Thu’s playmaking. Hoang’s squad, drawn from clubs like Ho Chi Minh City FC, aims to challenge Asia’s elite, including Japan and Iran, at the 2026 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.
On April 24, the team will rest to recover, while the coaching staff, led by Hoang, analyzes match footage to address errors. A tactical meeting will refine strategies ahead of their next friendly against Japan’s women’s futsal team on April 25 at Ota City Arena. This clash, tougher than Sumida, tests Vietnam’s readiness against a three-time Asian champion.
The Japan camp, running through April 28, is pivotal for building stamina and match toughness, much like Song Lam Nghe An’s youth camps bolster football. With two more friendlies planned, Vietnam eyes a top-four Asian Cup finish, a leap from their 2018 quarterfinal exit. Fans, rallying online, see Thanh Ngan’s form as a sign of a breakout year.
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