The national team led by Japanese head coach Akira Ijiri dominated the game and opened the scoring after just a few minutes.

The Vietnamese team, placed 37th in the world rankings, put plenty of pressure on Botswana’s U16 women’s team, who are ranked 153rd globally.

The local footballers gained three points with their 5-0 victory over their African rivals. Moving forward, Vietnam will face the United States and host nation Turkey on April 13 and April 16, respectively.

The event will run from April 9 to April 19 and features a total of eight teams divided into two groups. Vietnam are in Group A with the US, Botswana, and hosts Turkey. Group B includes Uganda, China, Wales, and Paraguay.

The UEFA women’s U16 tournament is not just a competition, is a platform for young talents to learn, grow, and showcase their abilities, according to the organisers UEFA.

It serves as a testament to UEFA’s dedication to fostering young talent across the globe, thereby ensuring that the future of women’s football is both bright and competitive.