International media unanimously praise CAHN FC, with attention on goalkeeper Nguyen Filip after the victory in Australia

CAHN FC earns many accolades from international media following the 2-0 victory of coach Mano Polking's side over Australian club Adelaide United.

Hanoi Police FC (CAHN) made history by defeating Adelaide United 2-0 away from home, becoming the first Vietnamese club to secure a spot in the league stage of the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League Elite.

After the match, foreign newspapers lauded CAHN FC. The Canberratimes of Australia ran the headline: "Adelaide United misses out on AFC Champions League Elite berth".

"Adelaide United's quest to qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite ended with a 0-2 loss to Vietnam's champions, Hanoi Police. Not only did they lose the play-off match on the evening of August 11 for a spot in the main AFC Champions League Elite stage, but Adelaide United also missed out on the chance to earn $1.1 million in prize money," the Australian newspaper wrote.

"Instead, the entire reward went to Hanoi Police FC thanks to goals from David Henen and Brayan Perea at Adelaide's Coopers Stadium," the Canberratimes continued.

The newspaper also praised the save by CAHN FC goalkeeper Nguyen Filip in second-half stoppage time: "A minute after regulation time ended, White had a golden chance to reduce the deficit. Unmarked and just about 2 meters from goal, he headed the ball, but goalkeeper Nguyen Filip used his right hand to push it onto the post."

The News of Australia published an article with the headline: "Adelaide United denied lucrative AFC Champions League Elite spot after defeat to Vietnamese team".

This newspaper praised Stefan Mauk and his teammates for helping CAHN FC secure victory. In particular, the News highlighted the performance of goalkeeper Nguyen Filip: "Adelaide had a chance to score in the final minutes, but White's header was brilliantly saved by Nguyen Filip."

The SNE of Malaysia wrote about CAHN FC's victory: "Hanoi Police FC (CAHN) made Vietnamese football history by defeating Adelaide United 2-0 on Australian soil, thereby earning, for the first time in history, the right to participate in the league stage of the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite."

"The Vietnamese champions entered the play-off away from home with many difficulties but showed their mettle at the right time: scoring two goals, keeping a clean sheet, and successfully withstanding constant pressure from the home side in the second half," the Malaysian newspaper emphasized.

The SNE continued: "The victory over Adelaide United completed CAHN's impressive journey, from domestic champions to one of Asia's most prestigious competitions."

Thai media also rejoiced over coach Mano Polking's victory. The Siamsport shared on Facebook: "A new page in history for CAHN FC. The most recent V.League champions under the guidance of Mano Polking, former head coach of the Thailand national team, made history by qualifying for the AFC Champions League Elite League Stage for the first time, after a 2-0 win over Adelaide United on their home turf."

"Notably, in the league stage, Hanoi Police FC could face three representatives from the Thai League: Buriram United, Port FC, and Ratchaburi FC. The draw results will be determined on Tuesday, August 18, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia," the Thai newspaper wrote.

The Ball Thai also took interest in CAHN FC's victory: "Notably, Colombian striker Brayan Perea, who recently transferred from Port FC to Hanoi Police, scored his first goal for his new club in his debut match. Perea had an impressive performance with one goal and one assist. His teammate David Ennin also contributed one goal and one assist."