Similar to last season, coach Nguyen Hong Pham (former Vietnam national team goalkeeper, Chairman of the HCMC Football Federation’s Coaching Council) is registered as the head coach of HCMC Women’s Football Club, as coach Doan Thi Kim Chi does not yet possess the required qualifications, per AFC regulations.
HCMC Women’s first match this season is against Stallion Laguna FC (Philippines), scheduled for 7 PM tomorrow (November 13th).
Coach Nguyen Hong Pham of HCMC Women’s Football Club (Photo: VFF).
Before kick-off, Coach Nguyen Hong Pham stated: “At this moment, HCMC Women’s Football Club is ready for the Asian tournament. The team members are very determined, and we will try to overcome each match one by one.”
“The team currently has 6 foreign players, and they have all integrated well with the domestic players. Before participating in the Asian tournament, HCMC Women’s Football Club had two friendly matches with the Vietnam women’s national team in Hanoi. Our preparation has been smooth,” Coach Nguyen Hong Pham added.
Philippine women’s football is a strong force in Southeast Asia. Therefore, the match against Stallion Laguna FC will not be easy for the home team, HCMC.
Coach Nguyen Hong Pham shared: “We have the return of goalkeeper Kim Thanh (from Thai Nguyen T&T Club). However, HCMC Women’s Football Club does not depend on any individual. Our strongest point is team spirit.”
HCMC Women’s Team is a strong contender at the Asian level (Photo: Khoa Nguyen).
“Our goal is to win the upcoming match. All our players, from veterans to new faces, long for this,” Coach Nguyen Hong Pham continued.
Meanwhile, Coach Chandler McDaniel of Stallion Laguna FC said: “More than two years ago, I, along with the Philippine women’s team, faced the Vietnam women’s national football team at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. The HCMC team has many Vietnamese national team players.”
“I am very impressed with striker Huynh Nhu of the Vietnam women’s national team and HCMC Club. We will try our best to prevent Huynh Nhu and her teammates from winning,” Coach Chandler McDaniel affirmed.
In the group stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-2026, HCMC Women’s Football Club is in Group A alongside Stallion Laguna, Melbourne City (Australia), and Lion City Sailors (Singapore). The Group A matches will take place at Thong Nhat Stadium (HCMC) from November 13th to November 19th. In the most recent season, HCMC Women’s Football Club reached the semifinals of the AFC Women’s Champions League.
