Before the final match of Group A of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025-2026, head coach Michael Matricciani of Melbourne City affirmed his respect for the HCMC women's club.
After defeating Stallion Laguna 1-0 and overcoming Lion City Sailors 2-0, Huynh Nhu's Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club has secured a place in the next round before entering the final match against Melbourne City at 19:00 on November 19.
At the pre-match press conference, coach Matricciani congratulated the opponent. He said: "Congratulations to Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club for winning the quarter-finals. This is something that both teams are proud of. I think the final match of the group stage between Melbourne City and Ho Chi Minh City will be very exciting.
The Australian coach said that his team has been closely following the HCMC women's club: "We have not only observed HCMC's 2 matches in the group stage this season, but also analyzed through the matches in the Vietnam national championship and the Asian Women's Cup C1 last season. I have ideas for the playing style for my team, as well as paying attention to the outstanding players of Ho Chi Minh City".
Regarding the competition goal, he affirmed that Melbourne City will play with the strongest force: Meltern City's goal is to win, so it is certain to field the strongest squad. Our problem is to find a solution to penetrate the Ho Chi Minh City defense. I hope the match will go smoothly, so that fans can also watch a dramatic match.
Coach Nguyen Hong Pham of Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club also made assessments of the opponents: "Through the 2 matches, it can be seen that Melbourne City is a team with equal strength, physical strength and physique. The two teams promise to give us a good match.
Regarding the force, coach Nguyen Hong Pham confirmed the health status of the two pillars: "Huynh Nhu and Tran Thi Thuy Trang are recovering well and are likely to ensure their physical condition to play".
