Phong Phu Ha Nam Women 2 - 3 Hồ Chí Minh City Women – Women's National League (Vietnam), Matchday 12

Hồ Chí Minh City Women produced a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Phong Phu Ha Nam 3-2 in a pulsating encounter at the Hà Nam Provincial Stadium. The home side dominated the first half and looked set for a comfortable victory, but the reigning champions showed their class after the break to snatch all three points.

Match Overview

Phong Phu Ha Nam entered the match riding a three-game unbeaten run, while Hồ Chí Minh City were looking to close the gap on league leaders. The opening 45 minutes belonged entirely to the hosts, who played with intensity and precision. They took a deserved lead early and doubled it before halftime, leaving the champions stunned.

Key Moments

• 8' Goal – Ha Nam (1-0): A quick give-and-go between striker Nguyễn Thị Tuyết and midfielder Lê Thu Trang opened up the Hồ Chí Minh defense. Tuyết fired low into the far corner from 12 yards.
• 39' Goal – Ha Nam (2-0): A corner kick was not cleared properly, and defender Trần Thị Hồng pounced on the loose ball to smash home from close range.
• 51' Goal – HCMC (2-1): A moment of brilliance from Huỳnh Như, the league's all-time top scorer. She collected a pass on the edge of the box, turned her marker, and curled a beautiful shot into the top left corner.
• 67' Goal – HCMC (2-2): A swift counter-attack ended with veteran striker Phạm Hải Yến sliding in to convert a low cross from the right.
• 82' Goal – HCMC (2-3): A defensive mix-up allowed substitute Nguyễn Thị Vạn to nip in and poke the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper, completing the stunning turnaround.

Tactical Story

Phong Phu Ha Nam employed a high-pressing 4-3-3 that disrupted Hồ Chí Minh City's buildup play in the first half. They forced turnovers high up the pitch and created several chances. However, Hồ Chí Minh City adjusted after halftime by dropping deeper and using quicker transitions. The introduction of Nguyễn Thị Vạn gave them more pace in behind, and the Ha Nam defense, which had been so solid, began to tire. The champions' experience ultimately told.

Standout Players

• Huỳnh Như (HCMC): Her goal early in the second half was the catalyst for the comeback. She led the line tirelessly and created space for others.
• Nguyễn Thị Tuyết (Ha Nam): Scored the opener and was a constant threat with her dribbling and hold-up play.
• Phạm Hải Yến (HCMC): The veteran forward's equalizer was crucial, and her movement stretched the Ha Nam defense.

Table Impact

The win keeps Hồ Chí Minh City Women in second place, now four points behind leaders Hanoi I with a game in hand. For Phong Phu Ha Nam, the collapse is a bitter blow. They remain in fourth but are now seven points adrift of the top three. The result reinforces Hồ Chí Minh City's reputation as the league's comeback kings.