Despite being the host team, Ho Chi Minh City was not considered the favorite against Abu Dhabi Country, a formidable opponent from the UAE with a lineup featuring several foreign players.

In the quarterfinal match of the 2024/25 AFC Women's Champions League, Abu Dhabi Country dominated the first half, quickly scoring three goals, leaving the Vietnamese side struggling to gain control.

Throughout the first 45 minutes, Ho Chi Minh City managed only one promising chance - a goal from Huynh Nhu that was disallowed by the referee. Trailing by three goals at halftime, it seemed the home team was headed for a heavy defeat.

However, the second half saw an incredible turnaround as the Ho Chi Minh City women's team launched an astonishing comeback. In the 63rd minute, K’Thua tapped in a goal from a corner to reduce the deficit to 1-3.

Just four minutes later, Chuong Thi Kieu scored a precise header to make it 2-3, reviving the home side's hopes.

Even when Abu Dhabi Country extended their lead to 4-2 in the 74th minute, Ho Chi Minh City refused to give up. In the 76th and 82nd minutes, Bao Chau and Hong Nhung struck from outside the penalty area to level the score at 4-4, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

In the first minute of added time, Ho Chi Minh City capitalized on their momentum when Rashid, an Abu Dhabi Country defender, mistakenly headed the ball into her own net under pressure, giving the Vietnamese team an extraordinary 5-4 lead.

Despite nearly 10 minutes of added time, Abu Dhabi Country could not find an equalizer, allowing Huynh Nhu and her teammates to celebrate a historic victory and advance to the semifinals.

After the thrilling comeback, head coach Kim Chi and her players received a cash reward of approximately 21,000 USD (500 million VND) from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and an additional 8,500 USD (200 million VND) from the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation.

Their next opponent in the semifinals on May 21 will be the winner of the match between Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) and Wuhan Jiangda (China).

Duy Nguyen