Vietnam aim for victory over Cambodia in Women's AFF Cup opener

In 2019, the team lifted the title after beating Thailand 1-0 in the final. The same team also won gold at SEA Games 30, 31 and qualified for the 2023 World Cup earlier this year.

Therefore, Vietnam continue to be a heavy contender for the title. Despite missing key defender Chuong Thi Kieu and a few other players due to injury, Vietnam are expected to face no problem in the game with Cambodia. In SEA Games 31, which took place in May, Vietnam crushed Cambodia 7-0.

Vietnam (L) play Cambodia at SEA Games 31 in May 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

The only difficulty for Vietnam is that the team will have to play at Binan Stadium in the Philippines, where artificial grass is used.

Besides Cambodia, other opponents in group B like Myanmar, Timor Leste and Laos are also below Vietnam’s level. Only Myanmar can cause Vietnam trouble because of their tough playing style.

"Myanmar are getting better so they will find a way to give Vietnam a hard time just like they did in SEA Games 31," midfielder Tran Nguyen Bao Chau said.

"But I believe the players will achieve the best result. In the semifinals, it’s easier to face Thailand or Philippines than U23 Australia. I think this is a great opportunity for Vietnam to get ready for the 2023 Women’s World Cup."

The game between Vietnam and Cambodia kicks off at 6 p.m. and will be reported live on VnExpress International.