Asian Games: Vietnam defeats Nepal 2-0 in women’s football

KATHMANDU: The Nepali national women’s team faced a 0-2 defeat against Vietnam in its opening match of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Friday.

Nepal held the strong Vietnamese side to a goalless draw in the second half. However, it conceded two goals in the second half. Pham Hai Yen gave Vietnam the lead in the 53rd minute. Although Nepali keeper Anjila Subba saved Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy’s powerful shot from outside the box, the ball spilled in the path of Hai Yen who scored past the Nepali keeper.

Bich Thuy doubled Vietnam’s lead in the 64th minute when her powerful header from the penalty box found the back of the net.

Nepal is placed in Group D along with Japan, Vietnam and Bangladesh. In the other match of the group, Japan handed Bangladesh a 6-0 defeat.

Nepal will play its next match against Japan on Monday.

Group winners and the three best second-placed teams will advance to the next round.