Vietnam women advance to SEA Games semi-finals after defeating Myanmar

Facing the pressure of a must-win game following a draw against the Philippines in the previous round, coach Mai Duc Chung's side delivered at Chonburi Stadium.

Despite the venue being filled with thousands of Myanmar supporters, the defending champions demonstrated their class early on.

Vietnam, who had won 20 of their previous 27 encounters with Myanmar, scored two goals in the first 15 minutes.

Teammates celebrate with Ngan Thi Van Su (C) after she scored the opening goal for Vietnam in the SEA Games 33 match against Myanmar at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand on Dec. 11, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Ngan Thi Van Su opened the scoring in the eighth minute. She ran into the box to meet a cross from Tran Thi Duyen and finished into the far corner, leaving the Myanmar goalkeeper with no chance. Five years ago, she scored a similar decisive header against Myanmar in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic qualifiers.

The early goal stunned Myanmar, who only needed a draw to advance.

Seven minutes later, a defensive error by Mon Myint allowed defender Hoang Thi Loan to press. After the play, the ball hit the crossbar before falling to Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, who headed it into the empty net, doubling the lead for Vietnam.

The two early goals brought relief to coach Mai Duc Chung, whose team faced the risk of elimination before kickoff.

In the second half, Myanmar appeared pressured, when in the other game of Group B, the Philippines were leading Malaysia. Myanmar needed at least two goals to advance, but their attackers struggled to break down Vietnam's disciplined defense.

Defender Hoang Thi Loan, in her first start of the tournament, was the standout performer. She effectively neutralized Myanmar's attacks throughout the match and was Vietnam's best player of the night.

The victory not only secured semi-final qualification but also clinched the top spot in Group B for Vietnam. Although the Philippines defeated Malaysia 6-0 in the other game, Vietnam finished with a superior goal difference.

By topping the group, Vietnam avoided a semi-final clash with host nation Thailand. The team will enjoy three days of rest before facing Indonesia on Dec. 14, also in Chonburi.

 

 

Vietnam women advance to SEA Games semi-finals after defeating Myanmar

Việt Nam 2-0 Myanmar