OFFICIAL: Vietnam team finalizes 21 players heading to Laos for Asian quarter-finals

TP HCM Women's Club finalizes 21 players to face Naegohyang Women's FC (North Korea) in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025/2026.

The head coach and coaching staff of TP HCM Women's Club have officially finalized the list of 21 outstanding players, a perfect blend of experienced pillars, high-caliber foreign players, and young talents full of ambition for the AFC Women's Champions League quarter-finals 2025/2026. TP HCM Women's Club's opponent will be Naegohyang Women's FC from North Korea.

Previously, TP HCM Women's Club officially strengthened its squad by recruiting three foreign players to prepare for the quarter-final match against Naegohyang FC (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) in the AFC Women's Champions League 2025–2026. The match will take place on March 28 at the Laos National Stadium.

The first two notable signings are forward Joelma Alves Gabriel (Brazil) and midfielder Israela Alicia Groves (Canada, Jamaican descent) – players with impressive physique and extensive international experience. Joelma Alves, 1.70m tall, previously competed in the Brazilian Women's National Championship before playing in Macedonia and Malta. Even at 30 years old, this striker maintains formidable form with speed and technique rich in South American flair.

Meanwhile, Alicia Groves stands out with a height of 1.78m and a solid professional foundation. She is the daughter of former star Hubert “Junior” Groves and has played in several countries including Portugal, France, and England. The 27-year-old midfielder has also made two appearances for the Jamaican women's national team in the 2024 Women's Gold Cup qualifiers.

The final addition is young American center-back Rielly Chesna Marie. At 22 years old, she possesses a good physique (1.68m tall) and is expected to bolster the defensive solidity of TP HCM Women's Club in the upcoming crucial match.

Thus, TP HCM Women's Club will have a total of four foreign players, with the latest being defender Samia Ouni officially returning to wear the team's jersey, ready for the AFC Women’s Champions League quarter-finals 25/26. With her familiar number 18 jersey, Samia will be a reliable anchor, helping the defense of the city's team named after Uncle Ho become even more solid against top Asian opponents.

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