City champs again after five years

Pushing ahead: Chuong Thi Kieu of HCM City (left) tries to pass Ha Noi 1's Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet during the final match of the National Women's Football Championship yesterday. HCM City tied the defending champions 2-2 to grab the 2015 title. — VNS Photo Tuan Tu

HA NOI (VNS) — HCM City ended their five-year title draught after drawing defending champions Ha Noi 1 in the last round match of the National Women’s Football Championship yesterday in Ha Nam Province.

HCM City came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw, which was enough for them to step onto the podium.

Ahead of the match, HCM City had one point more than their rival and needed one more point from the match to win.

This target made them play defensively from the beginning of the match, but their plan was broken when Ha Noi 1 opened the score at the 39th minute.

Trinh Thi Hoan brought a perfect ball to the penalty box, where her teammate Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet was waiting. The national team striker had no difficulty in converting into a goal.

Things seemed better for the champions, as the more they played the better they became.

However, the situation changed within six minutes, near the end of the second half.

HCM City had two goals, scored one after the other, by substitutes Le Hoai Luong and Vo Thi Kieu Trinh.

Luong left three of Ha Noi 1’s defenders behind to set up a one-two situation with goalkeeper Thuy Duong and shoot to the far left corner.

Trinh received a corner kick and easily tapped it into the right.

Nguyen Thi Xuyen then scored a leveler for her team in the additional time.

Ha Noi later tried their best, seeking another goal, though the clock ran out.

They failed to win the title for the third year in a row, finishing second with 29 points, one less than the new champions.

Meanwhile, the win brought Doan Thi Kim Chi the first victory in women’s football, winning the national championship as a player and coach.

In an earlier match, Viet Nam Coal and Minerals trounced Tao Dan 6-0.

The third position was won by hosts Ha Nam (20), who will play TNG Thai Nguyen in the last game of the tournament today. — VNS

City champs again after five years Related image(s)