Football

Ngọc Minh Chuyên of Việt Nam (No 10) is the one to watch at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has named Ngọc Minh Chuyên a player to watch in the Việt Nam's squad at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 that will be kicked off on March 1 in Australia.

In an article analyzing Group C’s squad, the continental governing body makes a surprising choice. Instead of highlighting famous captain Huỳnh Như or experienced stars such as forward Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã and midfielder Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy, the AFC spotlighted young striker Chuyên, who is set to make her tournament debut.

"Seen as a potential successor to the great Huỳnh Như, the 21-year-old Ngọc Minh Chuyên will aim to prove she has the talent to take over the mantle," AFC states.

"The forward is tenacious in her play and her dribbling abilities make her an exciting watch."

Chuyên had her first time with the national team in 2025 during this tournament's qualifier. She scored a goal in Việt Nam's 7-0 win over Maldives.

Earlier, she scored in a friendly match between Việt Nam and German club Werder Bremen — an achievement many footballers can only dream of.

Previously, Chuyên was key member of the junior squads. She was top scorer of the regional tournaments for U18s and U19 while Việt Nam finished second in both.

She also scored the only goal for Việt Nam at the AFC Women's U20 Asian Cup in 2024. It was voted one of top six best goals of the tournament.

Việt Nam will play India in the first match on March 4. The Indian highlighted player is midfielder Sangita Basfore.

"Her goals against Thailand powered India into making the Finals on merit for the first time and the 29-year-old will be determined to ensure that the two-time runners-up are competitive in a tough group. The East Bengal FC midfielder is expected to be the fulcrum of India’s bid for a place in the knockout stage for the first time since 1983," AFC reports.

Yui Hasegawa is picked in the Japanese side. She is said the lynchpin in Japan’s midfield.

"Yui Hasegawa is one of the best midfielders in the women’s game and her presence at Australia 2026 will be highly-anticipated as the Manchester City star has the capability to dictate games with her passing and control in the middle of the pitch," the agency mentions.

Meanwhile He Jia-Shiuan is representative of Chinese Taipei squad.

"A rising star in the Chinese Taipei team, 20-year-old He Jia-Shiuan grabbed a brace in the East Asian side’s opening Qualifiers Group D win against Pakistan with her side going on to top the group with three victories. The Hangyuan FC forward will be determined to showcase her talent on the biggest continental stage."

While Japan are considered far stronger than the other teams, they are widely predicted to top the group and secure the first ticket to the next round.

Việt Nam are expected to have good results against India and Chinese Taipei to secure the second slot. — VNS