Malaysia Women’s National Team endured a tough start to their SEA Games 2025 women’s football campaign after falling 7-0 to regional powerhouse Vietnam in their opening Group B match at Chonburi Stadium, Chonburi.
Entering the match with hopes of upsetting the Southeast Asian No.1 side, the Malayan Tigress showed early determination — but Vietnam’s firepower quickly shifted the momentum.
Vietnam’s experienced striker Pham Hai Yen set the tone just four minutes in, punishing Malaysia’s defence with a sharp finish to put the Golden Star camp ahead.
Malaysia attempted to regroup, but Vietnam’s intensity only grew.
Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, before Hai Yen struck again moments later. Tran Thi Hai Linh then made it 4-0 in the 32nd minute to complete a dominant first-half display.
Malaysia avoided further damage before the break thanks to a brilliant save from Nur Ezza Ashikin, who denied Hai Yen a hat-trick with a point-blank stop on the cusp of halftime.
However, Vietnam resumed the second half with the same ruthless energy.
Midfield dynamo Thai Thi Thao stole the show, netting goals in the 48th and 58th minutes before completing her hat-trick in the 77th minute with a powerful header.
Vietnam continued to hunt for more, but the match concluded 7-0 — a result that propels them to the top of Group B.
For Malaysia, led by captain Nur Lyana Soberi, the focus now shifts to rebuilding confidence.
Their next test comes on 8 December, where they meet Myanmar — a team riding high after a 2-1 victory over the Philippines.
Credit Photo : FAM
