“The entire team had four weeks of domestic training and one week training camp in Japan,” said Nguyen. “After the camp, the coaching staff finalised the squad and selected the 14 best players to participate in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025.

“Currently, the entire squad is in good physical condition, ready for the tournament, and committed to delivering their best performance.”

Nguyen is not taking their opponents lightly as the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship 2024 winners begin their quest for a top-three finish, which will surpass their previous best of fourth place in 2018.

“They will be a challenging opponent… However, the team has already developed several strategies to perform well in the opening match,” she asserted. “For this tournament, the coaching staff’s first goal is to advance past the group stage with a favourable result, laying the groundwork for qualification to the FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup.”

Similarly, Ho Wing Kam is confident of taking Hong Kong, China past the group stage for the first time, having adequately prepared for China 2025, which will be her second tournament in charge as head coach after she successfully led them through the Qualifiers.

“We held three short training camps in March and April to improve the skills and physical fitness and enhance players’ tactical understanding,” said Ho. 

“The team is in pretty good condition, and the players are selected from the local Women Football League. We emphasised on physical and technical ability (as key attributes) as well as teamwork to ensure that each team member can perform at their best in the competition.”

“Facing Vietnam in the first game, I think it is a big challenge,” she acknowledged. “Their pace and skill level are very high. We need to be tactically prepared and maintain a stable performance.”

Venue: Hohhot Sports Centre (Hohhot)

Kick-off: Wednesday, 17:00 (UTC+8)