Vietnamese players celebrate a 20-0 victory over the Northern Mariana Islands in Group D of the U17 Asian qualifiers 2027, at Ba Ria Stadium, TP HCM on the evening of 8/10. Photo: Duc Dong

Having won their first match 6-0 against Palestine, Vietnam found themselves second in Group D after Kyrgyzstan defeated the Northern Mariana Islands 18-0. Kyrgyzstan further strengthened their lead this afternoon, 8/10, with a 2-1 victory over Palestine. This meant Vietnam needed a win by at least 14 goals to reclaim the top spot.

Playing at Ba Ria Stadium in TP HCM, the Vietnamese squad, displaying superior skill and high morale, dominated the Northern Mariana Islands, leading 9-0 by halftime.

Despite a rain delay in the second half, coach Okiyama Masahiko's players maintained their offensive pressure. They scored an additional 11 goals, sealing a commanding 20-0 victory. This result propelled them to the top of the group, meaning they now only need a draw against Kyrgyzstan in the final match to secure their spot in the 2027 finals in China.

Striker Khanh Chi was a key contributor to Vietnam's overwhelming victory, scoring six goals. "I am very happy to have scored so many goals," she told VnExpress after the match. "I want to dedicate one goal to my injured teammate. This October is also my mother's birthday, so I also want to dedicate these goals to her."

Vietnamese players comfortably shoot the ball during their 20-0 victory over the Northern Mariana Islands in Group D of the U17 Asian qualifiers 2027, at Ba Ria Stadium, TP HCM on the evening of 8/10. Photo: Duc Dong

Coach Okiyama Masahiko expressed satisfaction, stating the team had met their objective with the 20-0 scoreline. "Before the match, I told the players they had to score 20 goals," he revealed. "I set that target because the national women's team's largest victory historically was 16-0 against Maldives in 2016. Also, U17 women's Kyrgyzstan had won 18-0, so we wanted to surpass that. I thank the team for making history."

After two rounds, Vietnam leads Group D with six points, matching Kyrgyzstan, but holds a superior goal difference of 26-0 compared to 20-1.

The final round on 11/10 will see Palestine face the Northern Mariana Islands, while Vietnam will contend for the top of the group against Kyrgyzstan.

Duc Dong