ASEAN Women’s MSIG Serenity Cup™ 2025 semi-finals: Vietnam meet formidable Australia

Vietnam (first place in Group A) meet Australia (second place in Group B) in the semi-finals of ASEAN Women’s MSIG Serenity Cup™ 2025 at Lach Tray Stadium (Hai Phong) on August 16 night. This is expected to be a tough match for Coach Mai Duc Chung's side against worthy opponents Australia.

Striker Huynh Nhu (right) is expected to shine and help Vietnam overcome Australia in the semi-final match (Source: VFF)

Vietnam finished the group stage of ASEAN Women’s MSIG Serenity Cup™ 2025 undefeated, reaching the semi-finals as the top team in Group A. Vietnam’s most outstanding match was the narrow 1-0 win over Thailand on August 12. That win once again affirmed the position of Vietnam’s women football in the regional playground. Playing against Australia in the semi-finals is a challenge for Vietnam in their journey to win the championship at home.

In the final match of Group B on August 13, defending champion Philippines were eliminated early after drawing 1-1 with Myanmar. Meanwhile, Australia had a big win (9-0) against Timor Leste to qualify for the semi-finals as group runners-up. 

Heading into the semifinals, Vietnam has yet to face opponents with a powerful attack. Even in their final Group A match against Thailand, Vietnam's defense wasn't fully tested, as Thailand (already qualified for the semifinals) didn't play at their full strength. Despite Vietnam's impressive form—scoring 14 goals without conceding any—they cannot be complacent playing against Australia because Australia boasts a highly-rated offense, featuring the best of U23 Australian players currently playing in Australia's A-League. The squad of Australia includes many players, who have played for the national team such as Isabel Gomez, Bryleeh Henry and Chloe Lincoln, along with players, who have competed in U20 World Cup namely Holly Furphy, Naomi Chinnama, and Sofia Sakalis.

Vietnam have relatively better achievements in the AFF Women's Championship with three titles (2006, 2012, 2019) compared to Australia, who won in 2008 after overcoming Vietnam in the final. However, in the most recent three clashes, Vietnam struggled against Australia with one draw and two losses. This upcoming semi-final match will be a challenge for Huynh Nhu and her teammates. Hopefully, captain Huynh Nhu with her experience playing in international playgrounds and poise will perform well to bring Vietnam to the final.

A.N
Translated by H.N