AFC made a statement as CAHN created history in the Asian Champions League

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) assessed that CAHN had silenced Adelaide United "throughout the match," and thus fully earned a place in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite.

Hanoi Police Club (CAHN) recently achieved a memorable milestone by defeating Adelaide United 2-0 away from home, securing their place in the qualifying round of the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite.

After the match, the AFC official website praised the performance of the Vietnamese representative. Asia's most powerful football governing body commented: "The V.League 1 champions under coach Alexandre Polking kept Adelaide United silent throughout the match. Goals from Henen and Koko earned them a spot in the draw in Kuala Lumpur on August 18."

AFC's assessment accurately reflected the on-field action. Despite being away at Coopers Stadium and missing several key players who were with the Vietnam national team, CAHN organized a tight formation, significantly limiting the home side's attacking ability.

The Vietnamese side did not dominate possession but showed efficiency at decisive moments. In the 41st minute, Brayan Perea sent a long pass for David Henen to break through. The CAHN newcomer capitalized on a defensive error by Adelaide United before calmly finishing to open the scoring.

In the 64th minute, the foreign duo again made the difference. This time, Henen delivered a precise cross for Perea to position himself and score with a first-time shot, sealing a 2-0 victory for the police team.

For the remainder of the match, Adelaide United pushed forward but could not find the net. CAHN's defense remained focused, while goalkeeper Filip Nguyen made solid saves to keep a clean sheet.

On its official social media page, AFC used a short message: “Two goals, one ticket!”, meaning “Two goals, one ticket,” referring to the Vietnamese representative's complete victory.

With this result, CAHN officially enters the qualifying round of the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite, the most prestigious club competition in Asia. Coach Polking's team will learn their opponents after the draw held in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.

The victory on Australian soil is not only historic for CAHN but also helps Vietnamese football return to the highest level in the continent's club competition system.