Champions: Ha Noi 1 players celebrate after beating Viet Nam Coal and Minerals 1-0 to win the National Women's Football Championship. — VNS Photo Quang Thang

KHANH HOA (VNS)— A goal by substitute Trinh Thi Hoan, helped Ha Noi 1 beat Viet Nam Coal and Minerals 1-0 for the National Women's Football Championship title at Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.

Hoan, who replaced defending midfielder Nguyen Thi Thanh with less than 10 minutes left, headed home a free kick from Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, another second-half substitute, in what virtually was the last action of the match.

With the win, Ha Noi 1 finished the championship with 23 points, four ahead of Phong Phu Ha Nam, who will play their last match against HCM City today at the same venue.

Despite losing the match, Viet Nam Coal and Minerals still hold the upper hand for a third place given that the under-performing HCM City, who are three points behind, are not likely to win today.

Ha Noi 1 entered the match well aware that a win would give them a second title in two years. Coach Dang Quoc Tuan's players expressed their willingness and determination to win this one before the match started.

Coach Doan Minh Hai's players, however, proved that they were not so easily dominated and displayed a solid performance, which was highly concentrated in defence.

The defending champions enjoyed more possession and were the better team in the early period of the match, but while they did well in the defence and midfield, the third part was not very effective. They failed to even muster a shot until the 21st minute when their had their first shot at the goal which went too high and too wide.

The match went on with much of the action in the midfield with both teams battling for possession. However, the absence of goal-scoring opportunities continued to disappoint the handful of fans.

When everyone thought the match was heading for a draw, Tien floated the ball into the penalty area from a free kick, and Hoan headed the ball to the far post. — VNS