Portuguese league names Vietnamese female striker MVP

With two goals and one assist that helped Lank FC draw Famalicao 3-3 on November 5, Nhu received 15 points, higher than any other player and became the MVP of the round. She was also voted player of the match.

Nhu was also picked into the best XI of round six in the 3-5-2 formation along with other stars of the league.

Huynh Nhu (L) jumps to celebrate her goal for Lank FC in a Liga BPI match against Famalicao on November 5, 2022. Photo by Lank FC

The game with Famalicao was Nhu’s first start for Lank FC. In the 46th minute, she equalized 1-1 from the penalty spot. After Famalicao made it 3-1, Nhu carried the team with a one-touch shot to shorten the gap in the 72nd minute. Three minutes later, she dribbled past two opponents and assisted her teammate with a through ball to make it 3-3.

“I was nervous because it was my first start for the club. I was worried that I can’t meet the coach’s expectations. However, after scoring the first goal, I was more confident,” Nhu said.

The 31-year-old striker left the field on a stretcher in the 81st minute due to injury. She sprained her ankle but it was not serious and only needed a few days of rest to return.

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

Lank is currently sixth in the league with eight points, 10 less than the table topper Benfica.