HCMC I vs Stallion Laguna FC, 7:00 p.m. November 13: opening match
Ho Chi Minh City I opens Group A of the AFC Champions League 2025/26 at Thong Nhat Stadium, live on K+ Sport; adds 6 foreign players, Kim Thanh returns, meets Stallion Laguna with many Filipino players.
19:00 on November 13 at Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City I entered the opening match of Group A of the AFC Champions League 2025/26 against Stallion Laguna FC. The match was broadcast live on K+ Sport. The home team's goal was 3 points to start the continental journey on the right track.
Match information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time | 7:00 p.m. November 13 |
| Location | Thong Nhat Stadium, HCMC |
| Tournament | Group A, AFC Champions League 2025/26 |
| Television | K+ Sport |
Background of Ho Chi Minh City I: Experience and Return
After impressing in the 2024/25 season with a ticket to the semi-finals, HCMC I aims to go deep this season. The squad has been supplemented with 6 foreign players and especially welcomes goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh back to the goal, increasing stability in the final line. The presence of Huynh Nhu continues to be a support of experience and courage for the attack.
Stallion Laguna FC: First time in the tournament and key players
The Philippines representative participated for the first time after the qualifying round with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss. The squad has many mixed-race players and national team players, notably including:
- Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel
- Midfielder Kaya Hawkinson (American origin)
- Forward Mia Bookhard (British origin)
The experienced international force creates a significant competitive foundation for Stallion Laguna right from the start.
Tactical angles and hot spots
The support of HCMC I comes from the experience of going deep last season and the solidity in goal with Kim Thanh. Against an opponent with many Filipino players, the match promises to revolve around the hot spots:
- The ability to organize defense and change the state of TPHCM I, aiming to limit pressure from Stallion Laguna's attacks.
- The individual quality of the new foreign players of HCMC I is expected to make a difference in decisive situations.
- Goalkeeper McDaniel's influence in the Stallion Laguna goal counterbalanced the pressure created by Huynh Nhu and her teammates.
In an opening match, tempo and error control will be the deciding factors in the game. Experience in the continental arena from last season helps HCMC I identify well the times to increase the tempo, while at the same time maintaining the defensive structure.
Notable numbers
- HCMC I: semi-finals 2024/25 season.
- Stallion Laguna FC: qualified with 2 wins, 1 loss.
Impact on Table A
Winning the opening match often sets the course for the competition in the group. For Ho Chi Minh City I, 3 points at Thong Nhat Stadium not only creates a psychological advantage but also establishes their position as candidates to advance further. For Stallion Laguna, a positive result will strengthen their confidence for their first appearance in this playground.
Pre-match speech
Coach Nguyen Hong Pham shared: “This is a tournament that helps the HCMC Women's Club develop more strongly in the continental arena. Before the tournament, we have prepared very carefully, especially the training trip in Hanoi to play with the Vietnam Women's Team. We will try our best in each match to be able to complete our goal.”
The opening match at Thong Nhat therefore has the meaning of verifying the preparation of HCMC I and is a measure of the mettle of Stallion Laguna in the first season in the continental playground.
