NDO – Vietnam got off to a flying start at the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship by comfortably finishing off Cambodia 3-0 in their Group B opener at Binan Stadium in Laguna, the Philippines on the evening of July 7.

Vietnam dominated the match right from the first whistle, but heavy rain made it difficult for the title holders to find the back of the net in the opening minutes.

It was not until the 20th minute that Mai Duc Chung’s side broke the deadlock, with Ngan Thi Van Su shooting past goalkeeper Chea Sompors to put Vietnam ahead.

Pham Hai Yen made it 2-0 for the reigning champions in the 32nd minute two minutes by beating the Cambodian goalkeeper on the penalty spot.

Shortly before halftime, Hai Yen provided a clever pass to Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha who dribbled the ball past a Cambodian defender and added a third goal for Vietnam.

Ngan Thi Van Su (#21) celebrates with teammates after opening the scoring for Vietnam. (Photo: VFF)

In the second half, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung and Huynh Nhu came off the bench as Vietnam strengthened their attacks seeking to widen the advantage.

Mai Duc Chung’s troops piled tremendous pressure on the Cambodian side, with Bich Thuy firing a freekick narrowly over the crossbar in the 78th minute.

The 3-0 score remained unchanged until the final whistle, helping the title holders provisionally sit third in Group B on three points, behind Myanmar on goal difference.

Earlier on the same day, Laos trounced Timor Leste 2-0 to temporarily stand at the top of the group with four points after two matches.

Next up for Vietnam will be a clash against Laos on July 9.