In a thrilling comeback, Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Football Club overturned a 3-0 first-half deficit against Abu Dhabi to emerge victorious with a 5-4 score line. This remarkable victory secured their spot in the semifinals of the continental competition, marking a historic first for both Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

What makes this win even more impressive is the fact that their opponents, Abu Dhabi, had the advantage of a larger pool of foreign players. As per the Asian Football Confederation’s regulations, Abu Dhabi started the match with six foreign players on the field.

On the other hand, Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Football Club had a more limited roster, with only two foreign players from the United States and two overseas Vietnamese players. Despite the odds, they pulled off a significant upset.

Recognizing the magnitude of this achievement, the Vietnam Football Federation announced a reward of VND500 million (US$19,539) for coach Doan Thi Kim Chi and her talented team. Additionally, the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation presented them with an award of VND200 million ($7,816), further emphasizing the impact of their victory.

The club’s remarkable run in the competition has also earned them a substantial prize of $120,000 from the AFC for reaching the semifinals. If they continue their winning streak and advance to the final, they stand to gain even more, with a potential $1 million prize for the champions and $500,000 for the runners-up.

Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Football Club had already made their mark earlier in the tournament, securing a total of $220,000 from the AFC for their impressive performance in reaching the quarterfinals.

A truly inspiring display of determination and talent, this team has made their country and region proud.

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