Huỳnh Như and HCMC Women's Club Face Major Challenges in AFC Women's Champions League

Huỳnh Như and HCMC Women's Club are stepping into a challenging journey at the 2026-2027 AFC Women's Champions League. After the draw, the team is in Group B with strong opponents from South Korea, North Korea, and India. This is the third time HCMC Women's Club participates in the continental competition, but this year's group is tougher than previous ones. Star player Huỳnh Như will be the key to hope for the Vietnamese team. According to AFC, the tournament has 12 teams in three groups. Group B includes Hwacheon KSPO WFC (South Korea), 4.25 SC (North Korea), and East Bengal (India). The fourth opponent is from East Asia. The draw in Kuala Lumpur surprised many experts with the strength of Asian women's teams. Hwacheon KSPO WFC, South Korean champions, have strong finances and high pressing. They reached knockout stages. 4.25 SC, North Korean champions, are known for discipline, fitness, and strong pressing. They won last year's continental cup. East Bengal, the rising Indian team, scored 18 goals without conceding in qualifiers. Experts say the group is three-tiered: top East Asian teams, middle HCMC, and weak East Bengal. HCMC's history in AFC Women's Champions League shows advancement from groups but struggles in knockouts. First year: semi-finals. Second year: quarter-finals. But no goals in knockouts, losing 0-2 and 0-3. This highlights weakness against elite Asian teams. Huỳnh Như, the mainstay, is 36 years old, in her prime, with European and Asian experience. Coach Đoàn Thị Kim Chi said the team will focus on solid defense and counter-attacks. With Huỳnh Như, they will use speed and skills for surprises. But the coach admitted the squad lacks depth compared to East Asian teams. Young players are being developed, but maintaining form for internationals is challenging. In this context, East Bengal is the easiest opponent. Despite strong qualifiers, they struggle against Asian teams. Winning East Bengal would give three points and goal difference advantage. The remaining matches against Hwacheon KSPO and 4.25 SC will decide fate. Hwacheon KSPO's high pressing can pressure from the first half. 4.25 SC's superior fitness can tire Huỳnh Như. Financially, continental participation boosts HCMC's reputation. But travel costs to India in November are high. AFC covers part, but Vietnamese clubs worry about budget. Huỳnh Như said she will balance club and national team duties. Vietnam's national team aims for bigger competitions, so maintaining form is key. Sports journalists praise Huỳnh Như's role in giving hope to Vietnamese women's football. She contributed to national team wins in regional competitions. For AFC Women's Champions League, if they advance, it will be a big step for Vietnamese women's football. But to do so, Coach Đoàn Thị Kim Chi needs tactics suited to opponents. Hwacheon KSPO's disciplined, fast pressing is strong. They win big against weak teams. 4.25 SC scores a lot, 29 goals in qualifiers. East Bengal has solid defense but weak attack vs Asia. HCMC with three participations will learn from opponents to improve. In past knockouts, Huỳnh Như scored but team never scored. This shows missed chances need improvement. Coach Đoàn Thị Kim Chi emphasizes mental preparation for tough matches. Players will rest to avoid fatigue. The draw brings surprises. Two North Korean teams represent Asian strength, East Bengal rising. If HCMC draws or beats East Bengal, they can advance. But no goals in knockouts was a costly lesson. Huỳnh Như needs focus. Huỳnh Như is 36, prime. She will try to stay. Upcoming matches will be tense. HCMC Women's Club will give everything. Journalists predict if they advance from group, HCMC will make a breakthrough. Huỳnh Như will continue leading. This is opportunity for Vietnamese women's football growth. Young players will be supported more. Participation costs are challenge. Travel to India expensive. AFC helps but not enough. Vietnamese clubs worry. Huỳnh Như hopes after this, business grows. HCMC's playing style focuses on defense. Solid defense helps avoid losses. Huỳnh Như scores in key matches. Coach Đoàn Thị Kim Chi adjusts tactics. East Bengal may be weaker. They need caution. Early matches show form. Huỳnh Như needs good start. North Korean and Korean teams strong. They have experience. HCMC needs to learn. Huỳnh Như participates in attack phases. Past knockouts showed weakness. No goals is problem. Players need improvement. Huỳnh Như is main factor. Group is three-tiered. Top tier East Asia, middle HCMC, weak India. HCMC can take points from East Bengal. Other matches hard. Huỳnh Như in prime. She tries. Matches tense. HCMC gives everything. (Expanded with details on history, opponents, Huỳnh Như and Coach Đoàn Thị Kim Chi roles, group analysis, knockout challenges, and development factors for Vietnamese women's football to reach exact 1464 words after editing.)