HCM City (VNA) - With a comeback win of 5-4 against Abu Dhabi Country (UAE) on March 22, Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC secured a ticket to the semifinals of the 2024-2025 AFC Women’s Champions League.
In the quarterfinal match at the Ho Chi Minh City-based Thong Nhat Stadium, Abu Dhabi Country dominated the first half, quickly scoring three goals, leaving the Vietnamese side struggling to gain control.
Huynh Nhu managed to put the ball into the net, but the referee disallowed the goal, ruling that the ball had touched her hand.
However, the second half saw an incredible turnaround as the Ho Chi Minh City women's team launched an astonishing comeback. In the 63rd minute, K’Thua tapped in a goal from a corner to reduce the deficit to 1-3.
Just four minutes later, Chuong Thi Kieu scored a precise header to make it 2-3, reviving the home side's hopes.
In the 75th minute, Kim Yen made a costly mistake, allowing an opponent to win the ball near the penalty area and set up Tetteh for her second goal of the match.
But just a minute later, Bao Chau struck a powerful volley from outside the box. The ball was so well-hit that, despite getting a touch, goalkeeper Da Cruz couldn't prevent the goal.
The match reached its climax when Hong Nhung fired a half-volley from just outside the box, sending the ball past Da Cruz to level the score at 4-4.
In the first minute of added time, Ho Chi Minh City women’s team capitalised on their momentum when Rashid, an Abu Dhabi Country defender, mistakenly headed the ball into her own net under pressure, giving the Vietnamese team an extraordinary 5-4 lead.
In the remaining minutes, Abu Dhabi Country pushed forward desperately, but they couldn't find an equaliser.
Ho Chi Minh City women's team will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between the Urawa Red Diamonds team (Japan) and the Wuhan Jiangda team (China)./.
Vietnam launches first AFC-certified coaching course for women’s football
The AFC C/VFF coaching certification course runs from March 16-28 in Ha Nam province. Trainees will gain foundational theoretical knowledge on coaching methods for both amateur and professional football, tactical strategies for attack and defence, goalkeeper training, team and group management, fair-play principles, and age-specific coaching techniques.
