Viet Nam News
HA NOI — The National Women’s Football Championship will kick off today, with the defending champions HCM City 1 playing Viet Nam Coal and Minerals in HCM City.
HCM City, who won two of the last seasons in a row, are still considered the strongest among the eight participants.
Coach Doan Thi Kim Chi and her players, including many national team members, especially Golden Ball winner Huynh Nhu, have set a goal of winning a hattrick.
“Things are different this year, as Phong Phu Ha Nam and Ha Noi 1 have made some changes with a view to replacing us in the top position. However, we will play our best and work hard in every match to defend our title,” said Chi.
Their first rival, Viet Nam Coal and Minerals, ranked third last year.
The team hope to change their medal colour.
Some senior players have retired, but they have appointed the talented Thuy Hang and Nguyen Thi Van to lead the team.
In the second match of the day today, HCM City 2 and Son La, who were at the bottom of the ranking in 2016, will meet each other.
Former champions Ha Noi 1 and potential Phong Phu Ha Nam begin their journey tomorrow.
Ha Noi 1, who finished second after HCM City in the last two years, will meet with Ha Noi 2.
Phong Phu Ha Nam, under new coach Nguyen The Cuong, hope to beat TNG Thai Nguyen as their first step towards winning the championship for the first time. — VNS