Why did AFC interview player Hong Nhung before the semi-final match with the Chinese club?

Hong Nhung (left) and goalkeeper Ngoc Phuong are confident before the semi-final match - Photo: NK

Late on the evening of May 20, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) interviewed player Ngo Thi Hong Nhung of Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club before the 2024-2025 AFC Champions League Women's Semi-Final match against host Wuhan Jiangda on May 21.

Hong Nhung has impressive performance

It is noteworthy that AFC chose striker Huynh Nhu and captain Chuong Thi Kieu as 1 of 8 most worth-watching players in the semi-finals.

The remaining six players are striker Tereza Engesha, captain midfielder Yao Wei (Wuhan Jiangda), midfielder Jang Chang, Bae Ye Bin (Hyundai Steel Red Angels, South Korea) and striker Mariana Speckmaier, center back Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City, Australia).

So why did AFC choose to interview Hong Nhung, a player who was not selected in the 8 most worth-watching names in the semi-finals, and is much less famous?

The answer is because of the impressive form of this 25-year-old player. Hong Nhung can play right-back but can also play as a striker or attacking midfielder when needed and has scored two goals in the continental playground.

Hong Nhung celebrates a goal in the victory over Abu Dhabi - Photo: AFC

The first goal was scored in the 3-1 win over Odisha Club (India) in the group stage, and the second goal was in the 5-4 comeback win over Abu Dhabi Club (UAE) in the quarter-finals.

It is worth mentioning that Hong Nhung's goal helped Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club equalize 4-4 against Abu Dhabi in the 83rd minute, opening the way for the opponent's collapse when Al-Zaabi scored an own goal in the 89th minute.

Championship aspirations of Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club

In an interview with AFC, Hong Nhung shared: "The strongest point of the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club, in my opinion, is the determined fighting spirit and never giving up of each individual. We may have different strengths, but when combined, solidarity and fighting spirit are the greatest strength."

Talking about the chance of Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club to reach the final, Hong Nhung commented: "Facing the host Wuhan Jiangda is definitely a big challenge. They are a strong team, possessing many quality national and foreign players.

However, in football, anything can happen. I believe that the chance to reach the final is still equal for both teams if we play with the highest spirit."

"We are aware that the semi-final against Wuhan Jiangda Club will be a historic and difficult match. But we are ready.

Ho Chi Minh City Women's Club is proud to be the first Vietnamese women's team to participate in the continental arena, and we have the desire to win the championship to dedicate this honor to Vietnamese football fans," Hong Nhung added.

ORIGINAL

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tai-sao-afc-phong-van-cau-thu-hong-nhung-truoc-tran-ban-ket-voi-clb-trung-quoc-20250520000236802.htm