Both teams had chances to open the scoring in a closely-contested first 10 minutes, with Vietnam seeing several efforts saved by Ng Cheuk Wai while Cheung Wai Ki smacked the goal-frame for Hong Kong, China with a stinging shot.

The game then burst into life in the 13th minute when Vietnam broke the deadlock and sparked a flurry of three goals within three minutes.

First, Le Thi Thanh Ngan’s dinked effort was unfortunately turned into her own goal by Chan Wing Sze. A minute later, Thanh Ngan did get her name onto the scoresheet by pouncing on a loose ball near the halfway line and surging clear to slot the ball into the bottom right corner.

Hong Kong, China swiftly halved the deficit through Poon Ka Ka, who reacted quickest to scramble the ball in from close range during a goalmouth melee.

But the two-goal cushion was restored just before the break by Tran Thi Thu Xuan as she lashed a ferocious strike past Ng into the top left corner.

Undeterred, the East Asians came out fighting in the second half and Wu Choi Yiu pulled another back within 60 seconds with a crisp volley that went in off the left post.

Vietnam were left stunned two minutes later when So Hoi Lam played a one-two on the halfway line and advanced to fire the ball high into the net for 3-3.

However, Nguyen Dinh Hoang’s side showcased their own resilience to take the lead again for a third time.

Tran Nguyet Vi's effort from range found its way past Ng in the 33rd minute before Thanh Ngan sealed all three points two minutes later with a thunderous free-kick for her hat-trick, which took Vietnam to the top of Group B.