Ho Chi Minh City, 8 Oct 2026 – Vietnam U17 Women produced a remarkable 20-0 victory over Northern Mariana Islands on October 8, moving to the top of Group D in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers ahead of a decisive final-round clash against Kyrgyz Republic.
The race for the only qualification spot in Group D intensified following the second round of matches at Ba Ria Stadium. Earlier in the evening, Kyrgyz Republic secured a 2-1 victory over Palestine, putting pressure on hosts Vietnam to deliver a convincing result against Northern Mariana Islands. Having previously beaten the same opponents 18-0 in their opening fixture, Kyrgyz Republic had moved to six points with 20 goals scored and one conceded. Vietnam therefore needed a victory by at least 14 goals to move ahead on goal difference.
Backed by home support and possessing a clear advantage in technical ability, Vietnam wasted little time establishing control. Khanh Chi opened the scoring in just the second minute with a well-taken finish before Quynh Lam doubled the lead three minutes later, firing a low shot from inside the penalty area. The early goals set the tone for a one-sided encounter as the Vietnamese players repeatedly exploited gaps in the visitors’ defence.
Northern Mariana Islands struggled to contain Vietnam’s attacking movement, with the hosts creating opportunities almost every time they advanced into the final third. By the midway point of the first half, Vietnam had already established a commanding advantage, with Khanh Chi completing a hat-trick and Yen Linh, Ngoc Anh and Quynh Lam also contributing to the scoring. Further goals from Yen Linh and captain Ha Vi helped Vietnam extend their lead to 9-0 at half-time, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
Despite their overwhelming advantage, Vietnam maintained their attacking intensity after the interval. The hosts continued to press forward, creating numerous chances against a Northern Mariana Islands side that struggled to cope with the pace and movement of their opponents. Another 11 goals followed in the second half as Vietnam completed an extraordinary 20-0 victory, their second consecutive win in the qualifying campaign.
The emphatic result lifted Vietnam above Kyrgyz Republic at the top of Group D. Both teams have collected six points from their opening two matches, but Vietnam hold the advantage on goal difference after scoring 26 goals without conceding, compared with Kyrgyz Republic’s record of 20 goals scored and one conceded.
With only the group winners advancing to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 finals in China, the qualification race will now be decided in a direct showdown between the two unbeaten teams.
Vietnam will face Kyrgyz Republic on the evening of October 11 at Ba Ria Stadium, with the hosts holding the advantage of a superior goal difference heading into the final round. A draw would therefore be enough for Vietnam to finish top of Group D, while Kyrgyz Republic must win to overtake them.
After scoring 26 unanswered goals in their opening two fixtures, Vietnam enter the decisive encounter in a strong position, but their final opponents are expected to provide a significantly tougher challenge as both sides compete for the group’s sole ticket to the continental finals.
VSN/RPT
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