Indonesia abandons women's football at SEA Games 32

According to a source from MetaSports, on the morning of April 6, the Organizing Committee of the 32nd SEA Games sent a notice to the member countries about Indonesia's decision. Before that, the land of ten thousand islands still registered to compete and was in Group A. But a few hours after the draw on the afternoon of April 5, they announced their withdrawal.

This is the second time in a row that Indonesia has not participated in women's football at the SEA Games. Thus, the number of teams in the two groups will be equal. Group B includes hosts Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Laos.

Not attending the SEA Games, but Indonesia still competes in the 2024 Olympic women's soccer qualifier. They are in Group F, will face Taiwan and Lebanon.

Vietnam has the most love in women's football at the SEA Games with seven gold medals. In which, there are three consecutive terms in 2017, 2019 and 2022 under the guidance of coach Mai Duc Chung.

Thailand is second with five gold medals. However, the most difficult opponent to play with Vietnam is currently said to be the Philippines, due to convincing a series of players who are originally from but born abroad to play. The Philippines defeated Vietnam 4-0 in the final of the AFF Cup 2022, then won tickets to the 2023 World Cup finals before Mr. Mai Duc Chung's teachers and students.

Vietnamese female is currently in Nepal. The team has just defeated the host 5-1 in the first leg of Group C in the first qualifying round of the 2024 Olympic Games. The two teams will play the second leg on April 8.

Coach Mai Duc Chung said that Vietnam's goal is to defend the 32nd SEA Games gold medal. Besides, he and his students must prepare to attend the 203 World Cup finals starting in July, where the team is located. Group E with defending champion USA, runner-up Netherlands and Portugal.