Hai Phong, 15 August, 2025 – Vietnam women’s national team head coach Mai Duc Chung has affirmed that his side have completed their preparations for the upcoming semi-final against Australia in the AFF Women’s Cup 2025, scheduled for 8:00 PM on August 16 at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong. The match will feature VAR technology.
Vietnam have enjoyed a flawless campaign so far, topping Group A after emphatic victories over Cambodia (6-0), Indonesia (7-0) and a hard-fought 1-0 win against Thailand. Since June, the Golden Star Women Warriors have won all six matches without conceding a single goal.
Their semi-final opponent, Australia, have brought an Under-23 squad to the tournament but remain a formidable force. Despite a 1-2 defeat to Myanmar in their opening match, the Oceania representatives bounced back strongly, edging the Philippines 1-0 before thrashing Timor Leste 9-0 to secure second place in Group B.
“The team is excited and ready for this match. In my view, Vietnam and Australia are evenly matched. Australia’s young team is using this tournament as valuable preparation for their senior national squad. We hope to deliver a strong performance and look forward to the fans coming to the stadium to support us,” coach Mai Duc Chung said at the pre-match press conference.
When asked whether playing at Lach Tray in front of tens of thousands of home fans was an advantage, Chung replied: “For us, playing anywhere in our homeland is already a blessing. The support of the crowd gives our players extra confidence.”
While Australia may be rated slightly higher in terms of strength, the Vietnam coach believes his side have a specific advantage — better rest and less travel. Vietnam concluded their group stage campaign a day earlier than Australia and remained in Hai Phong, while their opponents had to travel from Viet Tri in Phu Tho just before the semi-final.
“We have one extra day of rest, and Australia had to travel, but that’s only a theoretical advantage. Their players are young, strong, and adapt quickly. In their first match, they were unlucky to lose to Myanmar, but in the very next game they played much better. We know they will be a tough opponent, but we have prepared thoroughly. Every match is equally important to us — once we step onto the pitch, we give it our all. We will fight first; the result will come after,” Chung stated.
Vietnam will be aiming to capitalize on their momentum, home support, and tactical preparation to overcome a spirited Australian side and book their place in the AFF Women’s Cup 2025 final.
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