Chonburi, 14 December 2025 – Under the scorching 30-degree heat in Chonburi, the Vietnam women’s national team delivered a dominant performance, overwhelming Indonesia 5-0 to book their place in the SEA Games 33 final and take another confident step toward defending their gold medal.
On a sun-drenched afternoon in Chonburi, the Vietnam women’s team once again underlined their status as reigning champions with a commanding semi-final victory over Indonesia. From the opening whistle, coach Mai Duc Chung’s players imposed their rhythm, controlled possession almost throughout the match and converted their superiority into goals at regular intervals, closing out the contest in emphatic fashion. The result came as little surprise given recent history, with Vietnam having won both previous meetings against Indonesia, including a 7-0 triumph at the Southeast Asian Women’s Championship in August 2025.
Vietnam immediately pushed their defensive line high and pressed aggressively. In the first minute, Pham Hai Yen intercepted a careless back pass and went down after contact from centre-back Emily Nahon, but the referee waved play on. Moments later, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy tested the Indonesian goal with a free kick from just under 20 metres, the ball drifting narrowly wide. Although the early chances were missed, they clearly signalled a one-sided pattern, as Indonesia struggled to build play and were often reduced to clearing the ball long.
Despite their dominance, Vietnam were not flawless and wasted several opportunities. Hai Yen twice found herself one-on-one with the Indonesian goalkeeper within the space of two minutes, only to send both efforts wide of the post. Still, the sustained pressure eventually forced defensive errors. The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute when Thai Thi Thao’s long-range strike struck the arm of defender Yumanda Gea, who was attempting to block inside the penalty area. Syrian referee Alesar Baddour pointed to the spot, and Bich Thuy calmly drove her penalty low into the corner to give Vietnam a deserved lead, despite goalkeeper Iris de Rouw diving the right way.
Even after going ahead, Vietnam kept the tempo high, urged on constantly by Mai Duc Chung from the touchline. The 74-year-old coach remained animated, demanding more goals to settle the match early and allow his key players to conserve energy. Indonesia, despite fielding several young naturalised players with good physical attributes such as De Rouw, Nahon, Claudia Scheunemann and Isa Warps, all under 21, managed just one genuine scare before the break. Forward Sheva Imut broke through late in the first half and fired a powerful shot that rattled the post.
The second half began with a gift for Vietnam. In the 49th minute, a weak back pass put De Rouw under pressure, and the goalkeeper’s attempted clearance struck Hai Yen on the head before rolling into the net. The Vietnam captain smiled broadly as her teammates rushed over to celebrate, while Indonesian players stood frozen in disbelief. Vietnam showed no sign of easing off. Nine minutes later, Tran Thi Thu delivered a teasing cross from the left, and Hai Yen arrived to finish first time from close range, completing her brace and making it 3-0. Shortly afterwards, De Rouw was substituted, shaking her head as she made way for 15-year-old Alleana Ayu Arumy.
With a strong Vietnamese contingent in the stands creating a lively atmosphere, the pressure continued. In the 80th minute, another set piece proved decisive. Tran Thi Duyen swung in a corner from the right, and the 1.53-metre-tall Bich Thuy rose highest to head home Vietnam’s fourth goal. Three minutes later, she missed a chance to complete her hat-trick, firing over an open goal, but Vietnam were not to be denied a fifth. In the 86th minute, centre-back Diem My launched a long pass forward, Huynh Nhu raced through on goal and delicately chipped the ball into the far corner as the goalkeeper rushed out. It was Huynh Nhu’s 70th goal for the national team and the final blow to Indonesian resistance.
The 5-0 victory sends Vietnam into their 11th consecutive SEA Games women’s football final, scheduled for the evening of December 17. Their opponents will be the winner of the other semi-final between Thailand and the Philippines. With this emphatic win, Vietnam not only extended their perfect record against Indonesia at regional tournaments but also moved one step closer to retaining the SEA Games crown and reaffirming their dominance in Southeast Asian women’s football.
Leave a Reply