Football 

HƯNG YÊN — PVF defeated Hà Nội Centre of Sports Training and Competition team 2-0 in the opening match of the National U15 Football Championship – ACECOOK Cup 2024 on August 31 in Hưng Yên Province.

Considered a title favourite PVF proved their power from the start, meeting almost no opposition to dominate the game and win.

Goals belonged to Nguyễn Văn Dương who netted the ball just one minute into the game and Nguyễn Du 12 minutes later.

Earlier, SHB Đà Nẵng drew Đồng Nai in a goalless match in Group A.

In Group B, Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu trounced HCM City 5-0, with all goals scored in the second half. 

Đinh Quang Hưng took a double, while Nguyễn Bảo Nam, Nguyễn Lê Quang Khôi and Đỗ Trần Gia Huy scored one each.

In the other match, Thể Công Viettel beat Quảng Ngãi 4-0.

Phùng Quang Danh opened the score in the 17th minute and completed his double in the 85th.

Lê Trọng Đại Nhân made it 2-0 for the soldiers team five minutes before the break and Nguyễn Huy Hoàng wrapped game up with a straight shot near the end. 

"The championship is one of a number of events under the national official competition system. It is an opportunity for the juniors to sharpen their skills and techniques, preparing for the future professional career," said Việt Nam Football Federation Deputy General Secretary Nguyễn Minh Châu at the opening ceremony.

"In recent years, VFF, with the support of sponsors, has made changes in regulations and format to increase competition opportunities for young players. It is expected to push the development of players in both quantity and quality for the next footballing generations."

This year's tournament features 13 teams competing in three groups of four in a round robin format. Two strongest ones of each group and two best third-placed ones will qualify for the knockout stage.

The final is scheduled for September 12.

The champions will bag VNĐ100 million (US$4,000) along with the victory trophy and gold medals.

Two runners-up will take VNĐ80 million and VNĐ50 million, respectively. — VNS