Vietnam's football team officially bids farewell to the Asian tournament after a painful defeat.

Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club, together with Huỳnh Như, stopped their progress in the AFC Women's Champions League after a 0-3 defeat against Naegohyang, ending a continental journey marked by hard work but failing to create an upset.

Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club concluded their run in the AFC Women's Champions League. with a 0-3 defeat to Naegohyang, in a match that clearly revealed the skill gap between the Vietnamese representative and the East Asian powerhouse. Despite entering the game with high determination, Coach Đoàn Thị Kim Chi's team could not generate a surprise against a superior opponent in all aspects.

From the opening minutes, Naegohyang quickly imposed their dominance through ball control and organized attacks. The North Korean team continuously pressed forward, forcing Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club to retreat into deep defense. Despite facing considerable pressure, the Vietnamese team's defense remained resilient, with goalkeeper Kim Thanh standing out as a key figure in the first half.

The balance was maintained only until the 40th minute, when Kim Hye Yong capitalized on a chaotic situation inside the penalty area to score the opening goal. The goal was confirmed after VAR determined the ball had not gone out of play, putting the Vietnamese representative in a disadvantageous position before halftime. This also became a turning point that caused Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club to face numerous difficulties in the remainder of the match.

In the second half, Huỳnh Như was introduced to enhance the attacking strength. The captain's presence improved the gameplay, creating several notable opportunities. However, before they could find an equalizer, Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club conceded additional goals. Naegohyang scored two consecutive goals in the 66th and 84th minutes, including one from a penalty, thereby securing a 3-0 victory.

The statistics clearly reflect the disparity: Naegohyang dominated ball possession, launching 20 shots compared to 5 from their opponent, and completely overwhelmed in corner kicks. Against the opponent's solid and disciplined defense, Ho Chi Minh City's attackers had few opportunities to make a difference.

Stopping at the quarter-finals, Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club exited the tournament with much regret but also gained valuable experience. Their two-year consecutive appearance in the knockout stage remains a noteworthy achievement, demonstrating the progress of Vietnamese women's football. The defeat to Naegohyang, though regrettable, serves as an important lesson for the team to aim for greater goals in the future.