Vietnam edge closer beating Hong Kong with a 2-1 win in Tashkent

Vietnam earned three crucial points on the Road to Tokyo, and moved to within touching distance of the the next round with a 2-1 win over Hong Kong at Transportation Institute Stadium.

With six points from two matches, Vietnam are three points clear of Uzbekistan, meaning they require a draw or better against Jordan on Tuesday to guarantee top spot in the group.

Hong Kong came into the match needing a draw or better to stay alive in the competition, but their narrow defeat to the Southeast Asians means they are now out of contention with a match still to play.

Mai Duc Chung's side did all the damage with a decisive first half display, taking the lead with the help of Hong Kong's Sin Chung Yee, who was unfortunate to put the ball into her own net in the 24th minute.

Vietnam's second goal - a 40th minute effort from striker Huynh Nhu - gave them a commanding half-time lead, and despite Wai Yuen-ting's goal three minutes into the second half, the deficit proved a bridge too far for Hong Kong.

Jose Ricardo Rambo's side will sign off their campaign with a final Round 2 fixture against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, while Vietnam will face Jordan, needing a single point to advance to the third round.