Vietnam's national team officially enters the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

TP.HCM Women's Club heads to Laos to face Naegohyang Club in the AFC Women's Champions League 2025/26 quarter-finals, confronting significant challenges from weather and a strong opponent.

TP.HCM Women's Club officially departed for Laos on the afternoon of March 24, beginning their journey in the AFC Women's Champions League 2025/26 quarter-finals. Vietnam's women's football representative will face Naegohyang Club (North Korea) in a match predicted to be difficult, playing on neutral ground but with advantages favoring the opponent.

According to the schedule, the match will take place at 15:00 on March 28 at the national stadium in Vientiane. This timing is unfavorable for Coach Kim Chi and her team, especially given the intense afternoon heat in Laos, which could significantly impact the players' stamina.

Speaking before the match, Coach Kim Chi acknowledged the disadvantages regarding physical condition and squad strength. TP.HCM's lineup currently has many veteran key players, while younger players lack experience at the continental level. The lesson from last season, when the team nearly "ran out of steam" in a midday semi-final, remains a valid warning.

Nevertheless, the city's team has prepared thoroughly. After the national team's training period, the coaching staff quickly stabilized the squad and resumed training. Notably, the club has added three foreign reinforcements to enhance squad depth, including forward Joelma Alves, midfielder Alicia Groves, and defender Rielly Chesna Marie.

These new recruits are evaluated to have good physique and skills, but due to short-term contracts, their integration level remains a question. According to Coach Kim Chi, the most crucial factor is not just individual ability but also rapid adaptation to the collective play style, a decisive element in a knockout match.

On the other side, Naegohyang is considered a very strong opponent with the disciplined style characteristic of North Korean football. This team boasts many national team players, having participated in the recent Asian tournament. Facing a major challenge, TP.HCM Women's Club maintains confidence and determination, aiming not only to advance past the quarter-finals but to progress further compared to their semi-final finish last season.