Vietnam have qualified for the semi-final round of the 27^th Southeast Asian Games women’s football event after edging past hosts Myanmar 1-0 in their last group stage match on Sunday.

The two sides clashed in a Group A game at Mandalarthiri Stadium in Mandalay City where both wanted to avoid heavyweights Thailand – who are set to top Group B after their encounter with Laos on Monday – in the semis. The Vietnamese women were at an advantage over their rivals before the game as all they needed was one point, following their comfortable 7-0 win over the Philippines on Friday, while Myanmar would have to beat Vietnam to shun the Thais.

Vietnam managed to sustain multiple attacks from the hosts and mounting pressure from thousands of spectators at Mandalarthiri with defensive play staged for most of the game.

Their winner was an own goal scored 18 minutes into the game by Myanmar defender Khin Thin Wai, who headed the ball into the net after a free kick from Vietnamese midfielder Kim Hong.

Vietnam’s experience and strong spirit helped them to successfully counter all the pressing by Myanmar for the rest of the match.

Vietnam led the three-team group with six points, followed by Myanmar who earned three points in a 2-0 victory over the Philippines on Tuesday.

The Vietnamese will take on either Laos or Malaysia from Group B on Wednesday whereas the hosts will almost certainly face Thailand in the semis the same day.

Held every two years since 1959, the Southeast Asian Games boasts many sports and involves participants from the current 11 countries of Southeast Asia.

The ongoing 2013 edition will take place until December 22.