Ho Chi Minh City, 16 November 2025 – Ho Chi Minh FC delivered a dominant 2–0 win over Lion City Sailors on November 16, securing an early ticket to the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025–2026 quarterfinals with goals from Bao Chau and K’Thua.
Ho Chi Minh FC continued their impressive run in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025–2026 by defeating Lion City Sailors 2–0 in the second match of Group A, played at Thong Nhat Stadium on the evening of November 16. After earning a narrow 1–0 victory in their opener against Stallion Laguna, the Vietnamese club only needed a draw to qualify early for the knockout stage, but head coach Doan Kim Chi’s players went further by securing all three points in convincing fashion.
Lion City Sailors entered the match under pressure, having suffered a 0–5 loss to Melbourne City in their first outing. They chose a defensive approach, often dropping deep to protect their goal. Combined with light rain and a slippery pitch, this made the first half difficult for Ho Chi Minh FC despite their dominance in possession. The home team pushed forward consistently but lacked clear chances before halftime.
After the break, Ho Chi Minh FC increased their tempo and created far more dangerous opportunities. In the 51st minute, Tran Nguyen Bao Chau fired a long-range attempt just wide. Eight minutes later, striker Huynh Nhu struck the post. Shortly after, Phan Thi Trang’s tight-angle shot rattled the crossbar as the pressure continued to mount.
Lion City began to show signs of fatigue and suffered a worrying injury in the 78th minute when 15-year-old defender Nur Salleh collapsed after a head collision. She required on-field treatment, oxygen support, and was taken by ambulance directly to the hospital, forcing a nearly seven-minute pause in the match.
Once the game resumed, Ho Chi Minh FC immediately regained momentum. In the 84th minute, Bao Chau launched a high, looping delivery into the penalty area. The Lion City goalkeeper misjudged the bounce, allowing the ball to skip past her and into the net, giving the home side a deserved 1–0 lead.
Despite 15 minutes of added time, TP Ho Chi Minh FC did not retreat. In the 90+3 minute, Huynh Nhu delivered a precise through ball for K’Thua, who sprinted past the defense and finished with a sharp low shot to double the lead. Minutes later, Huynh Nhu set up Cuu Thi Huynh Nhu for another finish, but the flag went up for offside, and the team chose not to use their remaining FVS (Football Video Support) challenges. In the 90+16 minute, Hong Nhung’s close-range effort struck the post, narrowly missing a third goal.
Speaking after the match, Bao Chau expressed her emotions: “I’m very happy with this goal. I want to dedicate it to my father, who loves football but could not come to the stadium. It was a lucky moment and helped us release the pressure to push toward victory and achieve our target.”
In the other Group A match, Melbourne City beat Laguna 7–0, meaning Ho Chi Minh FC and the Australian side both sit on six points, with Melbourne City currently leading on goal difference. The two teams will face off on November 19 to decide the group winner.
The AFC Women’s Champions League 2025–2026 features 26 teams, including 14 playing in the qualifying rounds. Thanks to their semifinal finish last season, Ho Chi Minh FC entered directly into the group stage. The 12 teams are divided into three groups, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarterfinals. All Group A matches are being held at Thong Nhat Stadium from November 13 to 19.
Thanh Trang
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