Vietnam dominated the match from start to finish, with Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet opening the scoring before Nguyen Thi Muon adding two more goals in a one-sided first half to help Vietnam to take a 3-0 lead before the break.

Following the interval, Vietnam continued to exert their superiority, keeping possession of the ball in Laos’ half of the pitch. Further goals from Nguyen Thi Minh and Le Thu Thanh Huong and a brace by Nguyen Thi Hoa added to the deficit, sending a stark warning to final rivals.

“We didn’t think we’d be able to record such a big win,” said Vietnam head coach Chen Yun Fa. “I think the Laotian players lost their physical strength very quickly… Vietnam and Myanmar have an equal chance of winning the title.”

Myanmar put their defeat by Vietnam behind them playing a determined game to edge out Thailand 1-0 in the other semi-final match. The only goal of the game came from San San Maw, who headed home from Khin Marlar Tun’s cross in the second half.

Vietnam will face Myanmar in the final at Thong Nhat Stadium, HCM City, on September 22, hoping for a similar result to their group game encounter, where Vietnam won 2-1.

“Vietnam is a nice team and Myanmar is one of the best teams in Aisa, so I think the final will be an exhilarating game” said Myanmar head coach Kumada Yoshinori.

Thailand will take on Laos in the third-place play off in the same venue.