Hai Phong, 16 August, 2025 – Vietnam women’s national football team delivered a brave performance but ultimately fell 1-2 to Australia U23 in the semifinals of the AFF Women’s Championship 2025, held at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong, on the evening of August 15. Despite playing with determination until the final whistle, Vietnam could not overcome the superior physicality and pace of their opponents.
This highly anticipated clash was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who attended the match and later went down to the pitch to encourage coach Mai Duc Chung and his players. His appearance created a memorable and meaningful moment, serving as a major source of motivation for the home team ahead of their upcoming third-place playoff.
Vietnam entered the semifinals with confidence, having won all three group-stage matches without conceding a goal. Coach Mai Duc Chung fielded his strongest lineup, with captain Huynh Nhu leading the attack and goalkeeper Kim Thanh guarding the net. Meanwhile, Australia, though having suffered an early setback against Myanmar in the group stage, had regained momentum with strong wins over the Philippines and Timor Leste.
The visitors struck first. In the 6th minute, Aideen Hogan Keane rose high to head in a precise cross, giving Australia an early lead. Eleven minutes later, Leticia McKenna doubled the advantage with a powerful strike from outside the box, putting Vietnam under immense pressure.
Vietnam’s best chance in the first half came in the 26th minute when Huynh Nhu broke through to face goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln. However, her shot lacked power and was easily saved. The home side struggled to break through Australia’s solid defense, and the first half ended 0-2.
In the second half, Vietnam pushed forward aggressively in search of goals. The match grew more intense as Australia continued to press with their physical style. The hosts had a scare in the 62nd minute when Alana Cerne narrowly missed an open goal following a set-piece play.
Vietnam thought they had a penalty in the 70th minute after Bich Thuy went down in the box under defensive pressure. However, after a VAR review, the referee waved play on. The crowd at Lach Tray roared in frustration, but Vietnam kept pressing forward.
Their efforts were finally rewarded in the 88th minute when Bich Thuy showcased her skill with a solo run past the Australian defense before firing a decisive shot into the net, cutting the deficit to 1-2. Despite a spirited late surge, Vietnam could not find an equalizer, and the match ended with Australia advancing to the final.
With this result, Australia U23 will face Myanmar in the championship match, while Vietnam will battle Thailand in the third-place playoff. Both matches are scheduled for August 19.
Hong Phuc
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