HCM City advance to AFC Women’s Club Championship quarterfinals
Melbourne City (Australia) defeated Ho Chi Minh City 3-0 in the final Group A match of the 2025–2026 AFC Women’s Club Championship on November 19 at Thong Nhat Stadium. Despite the loss, the Vietnamese team finished second in the group and secured a place in the quarterfinals.
Group A included Melbourne City, Ho Chi Minh City, Stallion Laguna (Philippines) and Lion City Sailors (Singapore). Both Melbourne City and Ho Chi Minh City had won their first two matches, guaranteeing early qualification. Stallion Laguna meanwhile beat Lion City Sailors 5-0 in the other group match.
Melbourne City started the match aggressively, showing clear superiority in speed, physique and pressing. Within the first four minutes, Ho Chi Minh City conceded two goals. McNamara opened the score in the 40th second, capitalising on a scramble in the box, and Apostolakis added a second with a long-range strike in the 4th minute. In the 40th minute, McMahon scored the third goal following a smooth central combination.
In the second half, Ho Chi Minh City brought on Huynh Nhu and Bao Chau, creating more attacking opportunities. A penalty appeal in the 50th minute was denied, and K’Thua’s attempts in the 66th and 90+4 minutes were thwarted, including a long-range shot that hit the crossbar. Melbourne City remained in control, threatening several times but unable to add to their lead.
The result left Melbourne City top of Group A with nine points, while Ho Chi Minh City finished second with six points from three matches. Both teams officially advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will prepare for tougher challenges in the knockout stage.
HCM City women’s team to experience video challenge system at AFC Women’s Asian Cup
VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Club will have the opportunity to experience the Football Video Challenge (FVC) technology during the 2025/2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, set to kick off in November, according to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
