A second half brace from Player of the Match Song Duan, along with strikes from Wang Shuang and Li Ying helped seal a morale boosting win for the East Asian nation, a victory that leaves them occupying pole position in the group following Jordan’s 2-1 loss to the Philippines in the day’s later fixture.

Vietnam, who are appearing in their eighth successive AFC Women’s Asian Cup, are in Group B alongside Japan, Korea Republic and the continent’s highest-ranked team Australia, and will start the campaign as underdogs.

But the forward, who scored a number of goals in qualifying for the tournament, is going into the clash at King Abdullah II Stadium confident that Vietnam have what it takes to challenge at the highest level on the continent.

Song Duan’s second half brace along with strikes from Wang Shuang and Li Ying proved the difference as head coach Sigurdur Eyjolsson’s charges claimed the opening day victory they had craved and pole position in the group ahead of the Philippines who defeated host nation Jordan in the day’s later fixture.

Despite their eventual capitulation and a bout of early Chinese pressure, it was Thailand who were the first to threaten thanks to Suchawadee Nildhamrong’s fifth minute shot from distance that fizzed narrowly wide of Peng Shimeng’s right hand post.

China were quick to reply however, as first Song brought out a fine save from Thailand goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing on 14 minutes, and Zhang Rui flashed a header over the bar from the resulting corner.

On a night of high emotion at the Amman International Stadium, Bolden’s strike ensured all three points for the Southeast Asians as they secured a vital opening day win and second place in the group behind table-topping China PR who defeated Thailand 4-0 earlier in the day.

After an evenly contested opening, it was Jordan who threatened first, Philippines goalkeeper Kearra Bastes-Jones smartly gathering Maysa Jbarah’s drive from distance on 14 minutes.

With Jordan continuing to press, the breakthrough came just sixty seconds later when the lively Jbarah expertly converted captain Stephanie Al Naber’s pinpoint pass.

Despite their early setback, the Southeast Asians responded brightly, with Maria Park’s curling free-kick forcing Salma Ghazal into a fine save just inches under her crossbar.

As the first half came to a close, Jbarah was desperately close to doubling her side’s advantage but her shot from close-range fizzed narrowly wide of the upright.

As part of the opening ceremony, the spectators at the sold-out Amman International Stadium were treated to a live performance of the official song of the tournament, ‘Cheer for Her’, performed by Jordanian stars Nidaa Sharara and Hana Malhas.

The lyrics of the official song are in Arabic and English. Last year’s The Voice Arabia winner Nidaa Sharara composed the song and wrote the Arabic words and Hana Malhas is behind the English lyrics. ‘Cheer for Her’ was produced by Hani Assadi/Hani Studios.

The 27-year-old star was in line to reach a century of international appearances a month ago, and started in Korea Republic’s final Algarve Cup match against Norway, only for it to be abandoned due to heavy rain.

The unusual circumstances mean Ji can now officially celebrate her 100th cap in Korea Republic’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against Australia, but the Chelsea star isn't getting carried away with the personal milestone.

“Saturday’s match is very important for the team and, it’s true, it will be my 100th cap, but I just want to focus on the match rather than that,” she said.

Ji, who has been a crucial ingredient in Chelsea’s run to this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals, arrives in Jordan in top form, and believes her experience in Europe can benefit her team against Australia.

Four years on, Fukumoto alongside 15 other class of 2014 members, have made way to a new generation to take on the mantle as the Nadeshiko look to defend their Asian throne.

Now aged 34, the former Japan goalkeeper kept three clean sheets and conceded only three goals en route to winning the 2014 title. 

“We didn't do well against Australia in the opening game, but the squad managed to get over that fast,” said Fukumoto, remembering a night when Japan fought back from 2-0 down against the Matildas to earn a 2-2 draw with two goals in the final 20 minutes.