Ahead of the group stage of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025-2026 starting on November 13, coach Michael Matricciani of Melbourne City affirmed that his team has prepared carefully and clearly understands the opponent Ho Chi Minh City - the only representative of Vietnam in Group A.
"Entering the tournament, our team analyzed as many opponents as possible, including the Ho Chi Minh City women's club. This is a strong team, and they reached the semi-finals last year to prove it. We have analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the HCMC women's club. We are looking forward to the match against them, coach Michael shared at the press conference before the tournament.
Despite respect for the Vietnamese representative, the defending runner-up team still clearly shows confidence in their experience and a balanced force. Melbourne City will meet Stallion Laguna (Philippines) and Lion City Sailors (Singapore) respectively before facing Ho Chi Minh City in the final round of Group A.
On the home team's side, coach Nguyen Hong Pham said that the whole team is ready both physically and mentally for the new journey.
"After the national championship, we took a few days off and trained in Hanoi. The team has 2 friendly matches with the Vietnam women's team. All current members are in a state of readiness, the highest determination, trying in every match, Mr. Pham shared.
Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club entered this year's tournament with a strongly strengthened force, including two new foreign players and the return of Hoai Luong and goalkeeper Kim Thanh.
Our strength is the spirit of solidarity, never giving up. The goal is to try our best, this year it will go deeper, coach Nguyen Hong Pham emphasized.
Captain Huynh Nhu also expressed his determination when he said: "The goal of Nhu and the whole team is to win each match and move on to the next round. In this tournament, fans will see Ho Chi Minh City with a new breeze, competing more enthusiastically".
According to the match schedule, Ho Chi Minh City women's club will start the campaign with a match against Stallion Laguna (Philippines) on November 13, then face Lion City Sailors (Singapore, November 16) and Melbourne City (Australia, November 19) at Thong Nhat Stadium.
