In the second match of Group C of the 2024-2025 AFC Champions League for Women, Ho Chi Minh City will face Odisha from India. In the opening match, Ho Chi Minh City won 3-1 against Taichung Blue Whale from Taiwan (China). In this victory, striker Huynh Nhu contributed 2 goals. Huynh Nhu's performance immediately caught the attention of Odisha coach Crispin Chettri.
Speaking at a press conference before the match against Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Crispin Chettri had many compliments for Huynh Nhu. He also hoped that his team would not have to face Huynh Nhu.
"Huynh Nhu is a very excellent player. She just returned to play after an injury and scored 2 goals. This performance gives more motivation to Huynh Nhu and the whole HCMC team. However, HCMC does not only have Huynh Nhu but also many other good players such as captain Chuong Thi Kieu or 3 American foreign players.
The strength of Ho Chi Minh City does not only come from Huynh Nhu but the whole team. However, I hope Ho Chi Minh City will keep Huynh Nhu out of tomorrow's match (October 9), coach Crispin Chettri shared.
After a 0-17 loss to Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) in the opening match, coach Crispin Chettri had to take measures to lift the players' spirits.
He said: "In the first match, the whole team suffered a very heavy defeat. This result affected the fans' expectations. In terms of expertise, I take full responsibility. The important thing is to overcome it to try harder in the next match.
To improve the mentality, I took the players to visit Cu Chi. A trip to relieve stress and mental pressure. For us, the result is not the most important thing. We are still in the decisive stage. The whole team must play at 100% capacity."
Meanwhile, coach Nguyen Hong Pham said that it is likely that Ho Chi Minh City club will rotate the squad when facing Odisha.
"Odisha team is still missing a few players. No matter what the result of the last match is, we still keep the goal of trying our best in each match, not being subjective. I still have special respect for Odisha because of your spirit in the last match.
Depending on the situation, the coaching staff will choose players so that everyone has a chance to participate in the tournament. If there is an opportunity, they are ready to rotate players," coach Nguyen Hong Pham shared.
The match between Ho Chi Minh City and Odisha will take place at 19:00 tomorrow (October 9).
