Ho Chi Minh City, 11 Oct 2026 – Vietnam U17 Women secured their place at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 after completing a perfect qualifying campaign with three victories, 28 goals scored and none conceded, although head coach Okiyama Masahiko believes his players still have room for improvement in front of goal.
Vietnam concluded their Group D campaign with a 2-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic at Ba Ria Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on October 11. The result ensured that Okiyama’s side finished top of the group with a maximum nine points from three matches, securing the group’s only qualification place at next year’s continental finals. Having previously defeated Palestine 6-0 and Northern Mariana Islands 20-0, Vietnam maintained their impressive defensive record while demonstrating their attacking strength throughout the competition.
Despite the successful outcome, Okiyama admitted that his players could have been more clinical in the decisive encounter against Kyrgyz Republic. “After we scored, the pattern of the match changed. We continued making substitutions, bringing on quick and technically skilled players to increase the pressure and dominate our opponents,” the Japanese coach said. “The whole team created many chances, but unfortunately, we were unable to convert some of them.”
Ahead of the crucial final group match, Vietnam’s coaching staff had carefully studied Kyrgyz Republic’s previous two performances, identifying their physical advantage and tendency to rely on long passes and aerial deliveries. The hosts subsequently developed a tactical approach designed to counter those strengths, although Okiyama acknowledged that his players initially struggled to execute their preferred style of play during the first half.
Vietnam eventually broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang found the net to give the hosts a valuable advantage. The second goal arrived in the 55th minute, with Huyen Trang turning provider as she delivered the assist for captain Do Thi Ha Vi, who headed home to double Vietnam’s lead. The home side continued creating opportunities in the closing stages, but Truong Khanh Chi and Ha Vi both missed promising chances to extend the scoreline.
Reflecting on the qualification campaign, Okiyama credited his players’ commitment, tactical discipline and collective effort for the team’s success. “This achievement is the result of the entire team’s training and hard work. The players were proactive in challenging for the ball, organising their defence and following the tactical plan,” he said. “I would also like to thank the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the local organisers and the supporters for their assistance and encouragement throughout the tournament.”
Vietnam’s qualification was built on three convincing performances, with the team scoring six goals against Palestine, 20 against Northern Mariana Islands and two against Kyrgyz Republic. Their total of 28 goals without conceding highlighted both their attacking efficiency over the campaign and their defensive organisation, providing a strong foundation as the team prepare to compete against stronger opposition at the continental finals.
Looking ahead to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027, Okiyama said preparations would be shaped by the results of the final tournament draw. “We will analyse our opponents once the draw results are available so that we can develop an appropriate preparation plan,” he explained.
Drawing on his international coaching experience, Okiyama also stressed the importance of continued player development at club level. He encouraged the players’ parent clubs to support improvements in technical ability while urging individual players to take greater responsibility for their own training and progress.
With qualification secured and a perfect record behind them, Vietnam U17 Women will now shift their focus towards preparing for the continental finals in China, where they will aim to build on their successful qualifying campaign and test themselves against Asia’s leading youth teams.
VSN/RPT
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