The 2018 National Women's Football Championship officially commenced in the northern province of Ha Nam on May 21, with seven teams battling it out in a double round robin tournament for the top honour.

Reigning champions HCM City 1 (in red) get off to a good start with a 4-0 win over HCM City 2. 

The teams include Phong Phu Ha Nam, Hanoi, TNG Thai Nguyen, Vinacomin, Son La, Ho Chi Minh City 1, and Ho Chi Minh City 2.

The first leg of the competition is taking place from May 21 to June 11, while the specific schedule for the second leg will be announced at a later date. Following the two legs of competition, the top four teams will advance into the semifinals to vie for the two final places.

Stakes of VND300 million (US$13,200), VND200 million (US$8,800), and VND100 million (US$4,400) in prize money will be presented to the overall champions, the runners-up, and the third-place team, respectively.

After the opening ceremony, the first-leg competition kicked off with Hanoi edging out Phong Phu Ha Nam 1-0 thanks to Pham Hai Yen’s accurate header in the 77th minute. Meanwhile, reigning champions HCM City 1 made light work of HCM City 2 with four straight goals, which were all scored in the first half.

Nhan Dan