VietNamNet Bridge –Defending champions HCM City will battle rivals Ha Noi Trang An 1 in the second stage of the national women's Vinatex Cup football champs, set to kick off in the northern province of Ha Nam tomorrow, July 2.


Goal bound: HCM City's Tran Thi Khiet vies for the ball with Do Thi Lan of Viet Nam Coal and Minerals during the first round of the National Women's Football Championship. HCM City will play Ha Noi Trang An 1 in the first match of the second round in Ha Nam Province today. (Photo: VNS)
HCM City will clash with Thai Nguyen without top striking captain Tran Thi Kim Hong, who tore ligaments in her knee during the first stage in April. All hopes lie on top performing goalkeeper Kieu Trinh and strikers Hong Linh, Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai and Bao Chau.

Following the first stage, HCM City ranked third with eight points after two wins, two draws and one loss, two points clear of leaders Ha Noi Trang An 1, and hosts Phong Phu Ha Nam.

The defending champions, shocked by a 2-0 loss to Ha Nam in their first leg match, regrouped to edge out both Ha Noi Trang An 1 and Thai Nguyen with a 1-0 score.

While HCM City coach Tan Loi will replac Kim Hong with Bao Chau on the front line, his team will play their socks off in order to make up for recent poor performances and defend the title they managed to clinch last year after a five-year wait.

HCM City will pay special attention to their preparations, including a week in mountainous Tam Dao ahead of their match against an eager Ha Noi Trang An 1, including eight national players, on July 11.

Hosts Phong Phu Ha Nam, coached by former national team playmaker Van Thi Thanh, will offer additional resistance to against HCM City in the race for the championship.

Six teams are set to begin the second leg of the championships, which will end on July 20.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News