Ho Chi Minh City only needed one point to qualify early after their 1-0 victory over Stallion Laguna. However, coach Doan Kim Chi's squad surpassed expectations, dominating their Singaporean rivals, Lion City Sailors, and securing two late goals from Bao Chau and K'Thua.

Conversely, Lion City, having suffered a 0-5 defeat to Melbourne City in their opening match, required at least one point to maintain their qualification hopes. Consequently, they adopted a defensive strategy with many players, posing challenges for Ho Chi Minh City. Light rain and a slick pitch further hampered the home side's passing accuracy.

Forward Huynh Nhu dribbles past a Lion City Sailors defender during the second Group A match of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025-2026, on the evening of 16/11. Photo: Duc Dong

Forward Huynh Nhu dribbles past a Lion City Sailors defender during the second Group A match of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025-2026, on the evening of 16/11. Photo: Duc Dong

Following a dominant but chance-deficient first half, Ho Chi Minh City pushed their players forward, intensifying pressure on their opponents in the second half. In the 51st minute, Tran Nguyen Bao Chau's long-range shot narrowly missed the post. Then, in the 59th minute, Cu Thi Huynh Nhu's effort rebounded off the post. Approximately nine minutes later, Ho Chi Minh City was again denied when Phan Thi Trang's shot from a tight angle struck the crossbar.

Under Ho Chi Minh City's relentless pressure, the Singaporean team began to show signs of fatigue and injuries. In the 78th minute, 15-year-old defender Nur Salleh sustained a head injury. After on-field medical attention, she needed oxygen and was taken by ambulance directly to the emergency room.

Play resumed after a seven-minute interruption, and Ho Chi Minh City continued to press their opponents. In the 84th minute, Bao Chau delivered a cross directly into the penalty area. The Lion City goalkeeper misjudged the ball's flight, allowing it to bounce over her head, which resulted in the home side's opening goal.

The match proceeded with 15 minutes of added time. However, the home team did not defend their lead; they continued to attack. In the 90+3 minute, Huynh Nhu provided an assist for K'Thua, who slotted home a diagonal shot, doubling the lead to 2-0.

Two minutes later, Huynh Nhu again set up Cu Thi Huynh Nhu for a shot, but the referee flagged for offside. Ho Chi Minh City did not challenge the call, even with two available Football Video Support (FVS) reviews. In the 90+16 minute, Hong Nhung's close-range effort struck the post.

Midfielder Bao Chau (72) celebrates the opening goal in Ho Chi Minh City's 2-0 victory over Lion City Sailors during the second Group A match of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025-2026, on the evening of 16/11 at Thong Nhat Stadium. Photo: Duc Dong

Midfielder Bao Chau (72) celebrates the opening goal in Ho Chi Minh City's 2-0 victory over Lion City Sailors during the second Group A match of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025-2026, on the evening of 16/11 at Thong Nhat Stadium. Photo: Duc Dong

After the match, Bao Chau expressed her delight, stating, "I am very happy with this goal. I dedicate it to my father, who loves football but cannot attend matches. That fortunate goal helped us overcome mental pressure, creating momentum to secure the win and achieve our objectives."

In the other Group A fixture, Melbourne City defeated Laguna 7-0. Consequently, Ho Chi Minh City is currently second to the Australian side, although both teams have six points. On 19/11, the two clubs will play each other to determine the group winner.

The AFC Women's Champions League 2025-2026 involves 26 teams, with 14 competing in the preliminary round. Ho Chi Minh City Club secured direct entry into the group stage due to their semifinal performance last season.

The group stage features 12 teams, divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarterfinals. All Group A matches are being held at Thong Nhat Stadium from 13/11 to 19/11.