Vietnamese striker wins player of the match award in Portugal

Nhu’s exploits helped her team Lank FC come from behind to draw 3-3 against Famalicao FC in a Campeonato Nacional Feminino (Liga BPI) game.

She limped to the middle of the fiel due to an injury to accept the award with a bright smile.

This is the first time a Vietnamese player has received this honor while playing professionally in another country.

On its social media page, Lank FC congratulated Nhu and wished her further success.

“Thank you for everyone’s love and support,” the Vietnamese striker responded.

Huynh Nhu receives the player of the match award after being instrumental in helping Lank FC draw 3-3 with Famalicao FC on November 5, 2022. Photo courtesy of Lank FC’s Facebook

Coach Daniel Pacheco had Nhu play right from the beginning of Lank FC’s sixth game in the tournament.

The opponents took the lead, but Nhu helped equalize the score with a penalty in the 46th minute.

It was Nhu to the rescue once again after the rivals scored two more goals.

She moved down to the sideline in the 72nd minute to collect a pass and narrow the score to 2-3. Later, she dribbled past two Famalicao players and passed to her teammate Malu to break the offside trap and draw level.

However, due to an injury, Nhu was forced to leave the field on a stretcher in the 81st minute.

According to a VnExpress source, the 31-year-old striker sprained her ankle, but the injury was not serious and she will be able to return to the field soon.

Lank FC borrowed Nhu for a year from Ho Chi Minh City Club I. The captain of the Vietnam national women’s football team is paid around USD$1,500 every month after accommodation and food.

Nhu is one of the most decorated female footballers in Vietnam. She has won seven national championships and three National Cup titles. She’s also the recipient of four Vietnam Golden Ball awards.

She has won three SEA Games gold medals and one AFF Cup title with the national team. She’s also the team’s most prolific scorer with 59 goals.