'World Cup hero' officially returns to Ho Chi Minh City FC, aiming for Asian competition

Goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh has returned to Ho Chi Minh City FC I and is expected to participate in the AFC Champions League 2025/26.

From November 13 to 19, Ho Chi Minh City FC I women's team will compete in Group A matches of the AFC Champions League 2025/26. Preparing for this continental tournament, the Vietnamese champions have made very thorough preparations, especially in terms of personnel. Most notably, goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh, who had parted ways with the club earlier in 2024, is making a comeback.

Accordingly, after playing for Thai Nguyen T&T club, the "World Cup hero" of the Vietnamese women's national team requested early contract termination to return to her former club. Kim Thanh's return promises to significantly strengthen the defensive line of the team from the city named after Uncle Ho.

Regarding this, coach Đoàn Thị Kim Chi stated: "Goalkeeper Kim Thanh’s return to Ho Chi Minh City women's team helps solidify the defense. However, since she has been away from the first team for a long time, she needs time to readjust. Depending on her adaptation, the coaching staff will arrange accordingly. Kim Thanh might be the starter or Quách Thu Em could still be chosen, given her consistent performance."

Besides Kim Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City FC I has also added several quality foreign players including defender Ouni Samia (Tunisia), center backs Aubrey Goodwill, Gorman Chloe, midfielders Sakura Yoshida and Tatiana Maso, and forward Maria Khan. Among them, three players—Aubrey Goodwill, Sakura Yoshida, and Maria Khan—have previously played for Ho Chi Minh City FC I last season.

According to the schedule, coach Kim Chi’s team will face Stallion Laguna (Philippines) on November 13, then meet Lion City Sailors (Singapore) on November 16, and Melbourne City (Australia) on November 19.

In the group stage, the top two teams from each group along with the two best third-placed teams will qualify for the quarterfinals.

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