Vietnam and Myanmar will challenge each other in what is expected to be a thrilling final of the 2012 Southeast Asian Women Football Championship tonight at Ho Chi Minh City’s Thong Nhat Stadium.

Despite their 2 – 1 win in the group stage, the Vietnamese girls are not expected to repeat that achievement this time, as Myanmar proved a very tough rival.

Japanese coach Kumada Yoshinori has blown a wind of change to Myanmar, helping to train a new wave of young talents such as defender Khin Than Wai (17 years old), midfielder Nilar Myint (23), and striker Yee Yee Oo (22).

Besides the young force, Myanmar’s power is also contributed by veteran players, with captain San San Maw, who stands only one goal behind Nguyen Thi Muon of Vietnam in the top scorers list with six goals.

The 32-year-old remains a powerful and dangerous player inside the penalty area with her brilliant tactics and sharp heading skill.

Vietnam however still have the chance to win the title on home soil thanks to their stable form during the course of the championship with veteran players such as goalie Kieu Trinh, midfielder Ngoc Anh, and strikers Nguyen Thi Muon and Minh Nguyet.

However, Chinese coach Chen Yun Fat remains wary of the old rival.

“Myanmar are a strong opponent as they have good stamina and techniques. They caused us many troubles at the group stage. So I think the chance of winning is equally shared,” he told Tuoi Tre.

He said the Vietnamese girls will play their best to treat local spectators to an exciting final game.

On the other side, coach Kumada Yoshinori also said the final promises to be a thrilling one.

“Vietnam is a strong rival, while Myanmar is one of the best teams in Asia,” the Japanese said.