HLV Polking: 'CAHN represents the image of Vietnamese football in Asia'

Coach Polking stressed that CAHN is not just competing for the club's own colors and emblem but also embodies the image of Vietnamese football as it enters the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027 arena.

The 2-0 victory over Adelaide United holds special significance for CAHN, as it helps the Vietnamese football representative take an important step forward on the journey to participate in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027.

After the match, Coach Polking expressed pride in the performance and fighting spirit of his players. The CAHN manager also particularly emphasized the significance of a Vietnamese club competing on the continent's premier stage.

"This is a very special victory for me personally and for the club. We understand the importance of participating in Asia's biggest tournament, especially for a team from Vietnam. Over the past two years, the entire team has developed very well together, united to create today's success. This victory proves the team's excellent fighting spirit in a challenging match,"

Coach Polking also pointed out the difficulties CAHN faced in the opening minutes. Adelaide United started aggressively, moved well, and created pressure, preventing the Vietnamese team from controlling the game as desired.

However, the opening goal became a turning point. CAHN then proactively adjusted their play and took advantage of the spaces left by the opponent when they had to push forward in search of an equalizer.

"The opponent moved very well and caused many difficulties in the early minutes. We faced some pressure and couldn't control the game from the start. However, the opening goal helped the players relieve psychological pressure, making the opponent impatient. In the second half, we deliberately dropped deep, maintained a mid-block formation, and minimized their chances. The second goal from a counter-attack gave us great confidence to preserve the result,"

Stepping onto the AFC Champions League Elite stage also opens up opportunities for CAHN to face top Asian clubs. According to Coach Polking, matches against strong representatives from Japan, South Korea, or China are opportunities for his team to learn and improve.

"When playing against stronger opponents from Japan, South Korea, or China, that is the best opportunity for us to learn and improve our level. To progress, you have to face the best. We not only represent a club but also represent the image of Vietnamese football on the Asian stage."

The AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027 will take place from September 14, 2026, to May 1, 2027, with 32 teams participating. This is the first season where the league stage is expanded to 32 teams, instead of 24 as before.

According to the schedule, the draw for the league stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027 will be held at 15:00 on August 18 in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). CAHN will wait to determine its opponents in the league stage after the draw.

The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 is divided into two regions: East Asia and West Asia, with each region having 16 teams. According to the regulations, the 16 teams in each region will be divided into 4 groups to compete. Based on the seeding, CAHN will be in Pot 4, the lowest of the four seeding pots.