Vietnam prevailed in a battle of World Cup qualifiers as the host squad edged the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, 2-1, in the Southeast Asian Games football tournament Wednesday night at Cam Pha.

The winning goal came at the 50th minute as midfielder Tran Thi Thuy Trang forced her way past three Filipina defenders and struck the net for her fourth international goal.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung, Vietnam’s second all-time leading scorer, made a similar shot, forcing her way against three defenders for the tying goal at the 38th minute off a loose ball coming from Tran’s cross.

It was Nguyen’s 45th international goal and seventh in the Southeast Asian Games.

The Filipinas were the first to celebrate as Tahnai Annis looped a header off a rainbow pass from Malea Cesar.

The Filipinas squandered their chances for a draw as strikes from Quinley Quezada and Isabella Flanigan went off target.

Vietnam almost scored their third goal, with Huynh Nhu striking from a counterattack but was saved by Olivia McDaniel.

Nonetheless, the Filipinas will qualify for the semifinals if Vietnam will win against debuting Cambodia on Saturday.
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