AFC Women’s Champions League: Ho Chi Minh City FC couldn’t pull off a surprise against the Japan representative

Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Football Club put up a valiant effort but couldn’t pull off an upset against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in their final match of Group C in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-2025. Despite the 0-2 loss on October 12 at Thong Nhat Stadium, the Vietnamese team secured a spot in the knockout stages.

As head coach Nguyen Hong Pham emphasized beforehand, Ho Chi Minh City approached the match with determination and confidence. Boosted by home advantage and a relaxed mindset, Huynh Nhu and her teammates entered the game ready to challenge the higher-rated Japanese side. In the early stages, they weren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with Urawa Red Diamonds, who are considered a powerhouse in the competition.

Urawa Red Diamonds, the more technically superior team, dominated possession and put Ho Chi Minh City under considerable pressure. The Japanese side created numerous dangerous attacks, but the home team’s defense, led by players like Chuong Thi Kieu, stood strong for the first 20 minutes, successfully thwarting several attacking moves.

However, the opening goal for Urawa came in the 25th minute from a stroke of bad luck for Ho Chi Minh City. Yu Endo made a swift run down the right flank and crossed the ball into the box. Mei Shimada attempted a backheel shot, but the ball deflected off defender Chuong Thi Kieu and wrong-footed goalkeeper Quách Thu Em, resulting in an own goal.

Urawa Red Diamonds extended their lead early in the second half. In the 50th minute, team captain Shiokoshi dribbled down the right side and delivered a precise pass, eluding the reach of goalkeeper Quách Thu Em. Tsunoda was in the perfect position to tap in the ball, making it 2-0. Ho Chi Minh City had a chance to pull one back just five minutes later when Huynh Nhu played a clever through ball to Meghan Root. Unfortunately, the American striker missed the target, shooting wide in a one-on-one situation with Urawa’s goalkeeper.

As the match progressed, fatigue began to take its toll on the Ho Chi Minh City players. In attack, both Meghan Root and Huynh Nhu were often left isolated without much support from the midfield. Urawa Red Diamonds, sensing they had a comfortable lead, slowed down the tempo of the game in the latter stages, focusing on maintaining control rather than pushing for more goals.

The match ended in a 0-2 defeat for Ho Chi Minh City. Despite the loss, the team’s earlier victories against Taiwan’s Taichung Blue Whale and India’s Odisha FC allowed them to advance to the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Champions League as Group C runners-up. The knockout stage will begin in March 2025, where Huynh Nhu and her team will aim to continue their impressive journey in the tournament.

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