OFFICIAL: CAHN secures a spot in the AFC Champions League group stage

(Football results) - CAHN put on a remarkable display in Australia, beating Adelaide United 2-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 play-off. With this win, the Vietnamese side earns a place in the League Stage of Asia's top club tournament.

Right from the kick-off, Adelaide United pushed forward aggressively, seeking to pressure Nguyễn Filip's goal. In the 10th minute, Juan Muñiz had a chance from a direct free kick. The home player's shot was dangerous, leaving Filip Nguyễn almost rooted to the spot, but the ball narrowly missed the post.

CAHN then gradually regained control and began creating notable attacks. In the 32nd minute, Stefan Mauk took a free kick into the box for Kevin Phạm Ba to head, but the Adelaide United goalkeeper managed to gather it.

In the 41st minute, CAHN finally found the breakthrough. From midfield, Pendant Quang Vinh delivered a precise through ball over the Adelaide United defence. David Henen sprinted powerfully, evading the home defender's challenge before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Smits.

The goal allowed CAHN to go into halftime with a 1-0 lead. Notably, the Vietnamese side not only defended well but also showed danger in transition situations.

In the second half, Adelaide United continued searching for an equalizer. In the 53rd minute, Craig Goodwin fired a powerful shot from outside the box, but Filip Nguyễn stayed focused and made a save.

CAHN were not passive either. In the 60th minute, a long ball sent Quang Vinh racing behind the Adelaide United defence, but the home defender intervened before the CAHN player could shoot.

Just four minutes later, CAHN stunned the home side again with a second goal. In a quick counter-attack, the ball was switched to the right flank for Stefan Mauk. The number 6 midfielder assessed the situation before delivering a precise cross into the danger zone, allowing Brayan Perea to score with a one-touch finish past the Adelaide United goalkeeper.

Leading 2-0, CAHN focused on maintaining defensive solidity while waiting for counter-attacking opportunities. Adelaide United continued to push for a goal but could not break through the away side's defence.

In the 72nd minute, Talladira broke into the box and immediately shot, but the ball narrowly missed the far post. Six minutes later, Kevin Phạm Ba had a chance from the right flank, but the cross from the newly signed Nam Định player was not precise enough to cause danger. In the closing minutes, Adelaide United tried their luck with long-range shots. White received the ball in midfield and decided to shoot, but the effort went over the crossbar.

Ultimately, CAHN won 2-0 away at Adelaide United. With this result, the Vietnamese representative officially secured a place in the League Stage of the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite. This victory showcased CAHN's strong character, as coach Alexandre Polking's team played solidly, capitalized on their chances, and were particularly effective in transitions.

FULL TIME. Adelaide United 0-2 CAHN

90+3': NGUYỄN FILIP HEROICS

The Vietnam national team goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny a header from a home player, preserving CAHN's lead.

72': NOT IN

Talladira drove into the box and decided to shoot, but the ball went just wide of the post, missing a golden opportunity.

64': Adelaide United 0-2 CAHN

Brayan Perea coolly finished with one touch in the box after a precise cross from David Henen, doubling the Vietnamese side's lead!

46': Second half begins

CAHN kick off.

HALF TIME. Adelaide United 0-1 CAHN

41': Adelaide United 0-1 CAHN

David Henen fired a left-footed shot cleanly from the middle, sending the ball straight into the centre of the Adelaide United goal. The assist came from Brayan Perea. CAHN lead 1-0!

22': STALEMATE

CAHN, with a lineup featuring six foreign players and four overseas Vietnamese, have slightly more possession than Adelaide United, but the match remains cautious as neither side has created a truly dangerous chance.

1': Match begins

Adelaide United kick off first.

Starting lineups

Watch live Adelaide United vs CAHNWhere?

• Time:16:30 on August 11, 2026.

• Venue:Coopers Stadium (Hindmarsh Stadium), Adelaide, Australia.

• Tournament:AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27.

• Round:Play-off.

• Live channel:FP T Play.

Preview Adelaide United vs CAHN: 90 minutes for a historic ticket

CAHN will travel to face Adelaide United in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 play-off. The match is a single-leg tie, with the winner advancing to the League Stage and the loser dropping to the AFC Champions League Two. Adelaide enjoy home advantage and a strong professional foundation after finishing second in the 2025/26 A-League. Craig Goodwin poses a major threat with his ability to create chances, alongside Bart Vriends, Jonny Yull, and Juan Muñiz. Coach Airton Andrioli also wants Adelaide to control the game through possession.

CAHN face a significant squad disadvantage, having brought only 21 players to Australia. Nguyễn Quang Hải, Nguyễn Đình Bắc, Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh, Lê Phạm Thành Long, Lê Văn Đô, and Đoàn Văn Hậu are absent due to national team duty with Vietnam at the 2026 AFF Cup. However, coach Alexandre Polking's side still boasts notable talents such as Alan Grafite, the 2025/26 V.League top scorer with 16 goals, goalkeeper Nguyễn Filip, and Leo Artur. Notably, Stefan Mauk will face his former club Adelaide United, while Frans Putros and Damia Sabater offer additional options for CAHN.

Team news for Adelaide United vs CAHN

• Adelaide United:Full strength squad

• CAHN:Missing Nguyễn Quang Hải, Nguyễn Đình Bắc, Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh, Lê Phạm Thành Long, Lê Văn Đô, and Đoàn Văn Hậu due to their involvement with the Vietnam national team at the 2026 AFF Cup.

Predicted lineups for Adelaide United vs CAHN

• Adelaide United: Joshua Smits; Jay Barnett, Bart Vriends, Panagiotis Kikianis, Fabian Talladira; Ryan White, Luke Duzel, Ethan Alagich; Jonny Yull, Juan Muñiz, Craig Goodwin.

• CAHN: Nguyễn Filip; Trần Đình Trọng, Frans Putros, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Phạm Minh Phúc; Damia Sabater, Hoàng Văn Toản; Stefan Mauk, Nguyễn Thanh Bình, Leo Artur; Alan Grafite.