“We have gone through challenging matches and achieved important results in the previous rounds. Our quarter-final game saw us down by three goals, but we gave our 200% to make a comeback,” recalled Hong Nhung, who scored the fourth in the amazing win. 

“The success of that game has been a great source of motivation for the team and has further strengthened our belief in our ability to overcome difficulties.”

With the semi-finals and final taking place in Wuhan, China PR, the Vietnamese side will be at an obvious disadvantage, with their formidable opponents having the backing of a home crowd, but Hong Nhung’s belief in her squad remains unwavering.

“Every team in this competition has been highly professional and difficult to face, and Wuhan will be yet another big test,” said the number six. “Facing them at home will definitely be a challenge. They are already a strong team, with many national and foreign players of quality, but in football, anything can happen until the referee blows the final whistle.

“We also have talented players with strong individual qualities, but our greatest strength is our solidarity. As long as we play as one, I believe both sides are equally poised for a place in the final.”

Hong Nhung also pointed to the team’s recent triumph in the Vietnam National Women’s Football Cup as further fuel for their ambitions.

“Winning the Vietnam Women's National Football Cup was a result of thorough preparation with the coaching staff and the team working very hard while also preparing for the AFC Women’s Champions League,” she said. “Therefore, becoming champions has been a very positive step forward for the team, and while facing Wuhan will be tough, we are ready.

“Winning the AFC Women’s Champions League would be a historic moment for the entire country. We are already proud to be the first Vietnamese side to participate on the continental stage and clinching the inaugural title would be a befitting honour for Vietnamese fans.”