Football 

HCM City players celebrate their goal in the National Cup final. They have signed two new contracts to prepare for the AFC Champions League

HÀ NỘI — The National Cup title and two new contracts will be a significant push forward for HCM City FC as they aim for a slot in the AFC Women's Champions League's final next month.

HCM City defeated Thái Nguyên T&T one nil, with the only goal scored by national captain Huỳnh Như. The team lifted the trophy in triumph on Sunday in Hà Nội, the fourth time they have done so, making them the most decorated cup winners in history.

A day after their victory, the club manager announced the names of two new foreign players who are expected to help them fly higher in the AFC Champions League.

The first one is midfielder Maria Jamila Khan, who is captain of the Pakistan national team.

Midfielder Maria Jamila Khan. — Photo of HCM City FC

Born in the United States to a Pakistani-American father, she moved as an adult to the United Arab Emirates, and played friendlies for the United Arab Emirates national team in 2021-22, before pledging her international allegiance to her ancestral nation Pakistan.

The 35-year-old also transitioned from a goalkeeper in the US field, to playing as a midfielder while in the UAE.

Before joining HMC City following a short-term deal, Khan competed for Eastern Flames FC in the Saudi Women's Premier League.

She has played 30 matches for the Pakistan squad and is known for her good free kicks and tackling ability, showing some great personal technique.

The second signing is Japanese Sakura Yoshida, who was also born and grew up in the US.

Yoshida played for the Oregon University side and after just one season she was listed in the Best XI and won the championship title wearing a New Mexico jersey in the last season.

Yoshida, 25, then joined Chifure AS Elfen Saitama of the Japanese league. She was named for the US's U20 squad competing at the La Manga 2019 in Spain.

Japanese midfielder Sakura Yoshida. — Photo of HCM CIty FC

The box-to-box midfielder has a reputation of being hard working and having good all-round abilities, which makes her skilled at both defending and attacking.

Earlier, HCM City signed contracts with American striker Sabrina Marie Cabrera and midfielder Aubrey Goodwill. 

In coach Nguyễn Hồng Phẩm's squad, there remain two overseas Vietnamese, Ashley Trâm Anh và Chelsea Lê. Both of them are in the US for personal reasons but will return to Việt Nam next when HCM City start preparations for the continental match.

According to the tournament rules, each team are allowed to use a maximum of six foreign players per match, of which at least one must come from Asia. 

With the two new signings, HCM City have reached their quota.

In the Asian semi-finals, HCM City will play Wuhan Jiangda of China on May 21.

The appearance of both sides in the last four round were big surprises of the tournament.

HCM City made an incredible comeback to win 5-4 over Abu Dhabi Country of the UAE, while Wuhan Jiangda defeated title favourite Urawa Red Diamonds 6-5 in penalties.

The other match will be between South Korean Incheon Red Angels versus Melbourne City of Australia. The competition venues will be confirmed later. — VNS