The Vietnam women's national team concluded their emotional journey at the 33rd SEA Games.

After returning, the players will have time to rest before regrouping with their clubs and focus on important upcoming goals for Vietnamese women's football in the near future.

It is remembered that after the final match, coach Mai Duc Chung could not hide his regret. He believed his players performed very well, especially in limiting aerial plays, which are the Philippines' strength.

The disallowed legitimate goal directly affected the team's mentality and the final result, similar to when the referee did not award a penalty to Vietnam after a Philippines defender handled the ball inside the penalty area during the group stage.

"We can see that the Vietnam team played well. The players blocked the aerial plays, which are the main tactic of the Philippines. Moreover, our goal was disallowed. This is the second time we have been disadvantaged by referee decisions against the same opponent, the Philippines. Even Thailand came to console us, saying they did not understand why the referee disallowed that goal. Of course, we are sad about the loss, but we have to know how to stand up. In football, there are wins and losses. What matters is that the Vietnam women's team played proudly and was not inferior. I am satisfied with my players' spirit. However, the refereeing influenced the match and the team's results," shared coach Mai Duc Chung.

Coach Mai Duc Chung's contract with the Vietnam Football Federation will expire at the end of 2025. He has decided to step aside and hand over the leadership of the women's team to a younger successor.