Vietnam secured qualification for the 2024 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup football tournament with a resounding 3-0 victory against Lebanon in Group A of the second qualifying round on Monday night.

In the game held at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam, Ngoc Minh Chuyen, a sixteen-year-old forward, scored twice, while captain Le Thi Bao Tram netted the remaining goal, sealing the victory.

Vietnam emerged victorious with a 3-2 win against Iran on Saturday, their qualifying campaign's opening day, and were tasked with achieving another three points in their match against Lebanon to qualify for the finals, which appeared highly attainable as the Lebanese opponents were not highly regarded.

Despite their height advantage, the Lebanese women’s team could only hold their ground for a brief period of time. 

After approximately 30 minutes of resistance, they began displaying signs of vulnerability.

Vietnam gained the upper hand thanks to the agility, speed, and skill of Minh Chuyen, Luu Hoang Van, and Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh. 

Despite skipper Bao Tram successfully heading the ball in the net during a corner kick, her goal went unrecognized.

As per the referee’s judgment, the ball went beyond the goal line before Bao Tram executed her header.

Nonetheless, Vietnam managed to score a goal in the first half, precisely in the final minute, thanks to Minh Chuyen’s determined dribbling and decisive finish.

Vietnam maintained their advantage in the second half, with opportunities continuing to arise, even though the Vietnamese players did not always initiate attacks at a rapid pace.

In the 77th minute, Bao Tram beat the Lebanese goalkeeper following Le Thi Trang’s cross from close range, extending Vietnam’s lead.

Two minutes later, Le Thi Trang once again set up Minh Chuyen, helping her complete a double. 

The score remained 3-0 for the rest of the game.

In the preceding match on the same day, Australia defeated Iran 3-0. 

With both Vietnam and Australia earning six points each after two games, they have secured their spots in the finals of the 2024 AFC Asian Women’s U20 tournament with one match left.

The two teams will play each other on Wednesday to decide Group A’s top spot.

Iran and Lebanon found themselves without any chances of advancing as they remain pointless after playing two matches.

Vietnam came through the first qualifiers in March with impressive victories of 3-0 and 11-0 against Cambodia and Singapore, respectively, as well as a 1-1 draw with India.

Joining Australia and Vietnam, hosts Uzbekistan, defending champions Japan, runners-up North Korea, and third-placed South Korea have qualified for the finals.

The remaining two qualifying spots from Group B will be decided among Myanmar, China, Nepal, and Taiwan.

Vietnam have participated in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup on six previous occasions, with their most successful run being in 2004 when they reached the quarterfinals.

The 2024 edition of the tournament will take place from March 3 to 16 next year, featuring eight teams divided into two groups.

The top three teams will earn qualification for the 2024 U20 Women’s World Cup.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!