HCM City, October 12, 2026 – The Europe Today: Việtnam’s U-17 women’s football team has qualified for the 2027 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup finals after defeating Kyrgyzstan 2-0 in their final Group D qualifying match on Sunday.
Playing at Bà Rịa Stadium, the hosts secured the group’s sole qualifying spot by finishing top of the standings with a perfect nine points from three matches. The team scored 28 goals without conceding under Japanese head coach Okiyama Masahiko.
Việt Nam entered the decisive encounter needing only a draw to advance, while Kyrgyzstan had to secure a victory to claim first place in the group.
Kyrgyzstan began aggressively, using its physical strength and long passes to put pressure on the Vietnamese defence. The hosts initially found it difficult to build attacking moves but gradually gained control and created several scoring opportunities.
Hà Vi nearly opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when her effort struck the post. Two minutes later, Việt Nam took the lead as Vi produced a skilful move inside the penalty area before setting up Nguyễn Thị Huyền Trang, who finished from close range.
The opening goal eased the pressure on the hosts and forced Kyrgyzstan to push forward in search of an equaliser.
Việt Nam doubled their advantage in the 55th minute. Following an attack down the right flank, Trang delivered an accurate cross that Vi headed into the net at the far post, leaving Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper Sezimbubu unable to prevent the goal.
With a two-goal lead, the Vietnamese side managed the tempo of the match while continuing to search for further goals. Trương Khánh Chi missed a close-range opportunity in the 85th minute, while Vi was denied by the Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation a minute later.
The victory completed Việt Nam’s impressive qualifying campaign. They began with a 6-0 win over Palestine before recording a commanding 20-0 victory against the Northern Mariana Islands and defeating Kyrgyzstan in their final fixture.
Speaking after the match, head coach Okiyama Masahiko attributed the team’s qualification to thorough preparation, training and collective effort.
He said the coaching staff had carefully analysed Kyrgyzstan’s previous two matches, focusing on the opponents’ use of long balls, aerial play and physical strength.
Despite the preparations, Việtnam initially struggled to implement their planned approach in the first half. However, the opening goal helped the players gain confidence and exercise greater control over the game.
Okiyama added that the coaching staff made tactical adjustments and introduced players with pace and technical ability to increase attacking pressure and maintain control in the second half.
Looking ahead to the continental finals, the coach said the team would continue improving its technical capabilities and develop a specific tactical plan after the tournament draw.
Việt Nam’s qualification marks an important step in the team’s preparations for the 2027 continental championship, where they will compete against Asia’s leading youth women’s football teams.
