Ho Chi Minh City – Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC has learned their semifinal opponent in the 2024/25 AFC Women’s Champions League will be China’s Wuhan Jiangda, following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.
The Vietnamese club made history as the first team from Vietnam and Southeast Asia to reach this stage, propelled by an unforgettable 5-4 comeback against Abu Dhabi Country after trailing 3-0 at halftime. Captain Huynh Nhu and her squad now brace for a daunting challenge on May 21.
Wuhan Jiangda earned their semifinal spot in a tense quarterfinal against Urawa Red Diamonds, where neither side scored in regulation time. The match went to penalties, with Wuhan prevailing 6-5, showcasing their nerve under pressure. Known for their disciplined play and attacking flair, the Chinese side poses a formidable obstacle for Ho Chi Minh City, especially as the match will be played away from the supportive Thong Nhat Stadium crowd.
Huynh Nhu, whose leadership sparked the Abu Dhabi turnaround, acknowledged the task ahead: “Wuhan is a strong team with a lot of quality. Playing away makes it tougher, but we’ve shown we can defy the odds.” The May 21 clash will test the Vietnamese team’s resilience against a Wuhan outfit buoyed by their shootout triumph. Coach Nguyen Hong Pham, who masterminded the quarterfinal rally, has two months to prepare his players for this pivotal encounter.
The other semifinal, also set for May 21, pits South Korea’s Incheon Red Angels against Australia’s Melbourne City, promising a blockbuster day of women’s club football in Asia. For Ho Chi Minh City, reaching the final would cement their legacy as trailblazers. After their heroics on March 22—featuring goals from K Thua, Chuong Thi Kieu, Bao Chau, and Hong Nhung—fans believe another miracle isn’t out of reach, even against Wuhan’s might.
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