Hai Phong, 6 August, 2025 – Vietnam began their quest to reclaim the ASEAN Women’s Cup title with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Cambodia in the opening Group A match on August 6 at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong.
Before the game, newly appointed Cambodian coach Koji Gyotoku boldly claimed his side would aim for three points against Vietnam. However, the reality on the pitch told a different story. Cambodia were completely outplayed and failed to register a single threat on goal, while the hosts—determined to regain their crown after losing it to the Philippines in 2022—dominated from start to finish in front of 7,000 passionate home fans.
Vietnam started aggressively and broke the deadlock in the 7th minute when Duong Thi Van headed in from a rebound off the crossbar following a Bich Thuy free kick. Four minutes later, Ngan Thi Van Su doubled the lead with a powerful strike from outside the box. In the 14th minute, Vietnam earned a penalty for a handball, and veteran striker Hai Yen coolly converted to make it 3-0, marking her 43rd international goal.
The hosts continued their onslaught as Nguyen Thi Van scored a stunning curling effort in the 17th minute, increasing the lead to 4-0 with a “falling leaf” style strike. With a comfortable advantage, Vietnam slowed the tempo but still created multiple chances, while goalkeeper Kim Thanh remained untroubled throughout the first half.
Coach Mai Duc Chung made strategic substitutions at halftime, resting key players Duong Thi Van, Hai Yen, and Nguyen Thi Van in preparation for tougher matches ahead. Their replacements made an immediate impact. In the 51st minute, Truc Huong capitalized on Van Su’s assist to slot home the fifth goal. Minutes later, Huynh Nhu delivered a perfect cross for Thai Thi Thao to head in Vietnam’s sixth.
The return of winger Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha, who came on in the 63rd minute after a long injury layoff, was greeted with warm applause from the crowd. Despite wearing a knee bandage, she displayed her trademark energy and pace, making several dangerous runs though she couldn’t find the net.
Statistics reflected Vietnam’s dominance: 70% possession, 32 shots with 14 on target, while Cambodia managed only one attempt.
After the first round of matches, Thailand top Group A on goal difference following their 7-0 win over Indonesia. Vietnam sit second, setting up an important clash against Indonesia in the next round, while Thailand face Cambodia.
The 13th edition of the ASEAN Women’s Cup runs from August 6 to 19, hosted across Hai Phong and Phu Tho. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. Thailand lead the all-time winners list with four titles, followed by Vietnam with three (2006, 2012, 2019), Australia (2008), Japan (2013), and the reigning champions Philippines (2022).
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