The 'easiest' scenario for CAHN in the Asian Champions League: Avoiding two giants

Hanoi Police FC could sidestep the most formidable teams from Japan and South Korea with a lucky draw, creating a perfect scenario for the Vietnamese club to vie for a place in the knockout round of the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite.

After defeating Adelaide United to qualify for the first time for the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2026/27, Hanoi Police FC is awaiting the group stage draw. This will be a decisive moment that partly determines the level of difficulty in their journey to conquer Asia's most prestigious club competition.

As a Pot 4 team, CAHN is certain to face opponents from higher seed pots. However, if the draw pairs the police club with names considered more manageable, the chance to compete for a spot among the top eight advancing teams becomes clearer.

Pot 1: Avoiding Kashima Antlers and Jeonbuk is the top priority

In Pot 1, CAHN certainly wants to avoid facing Kashima Antlers (Japan) or Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea). These are both traditional powerhouses with extensive experience in continental competitions.

Instead, Buriram United (Thailand) could be the most anticipated name. The Thunder Castle is not an easy opponent, but CAHN has the advantage of being very familiar with Southeast Asian football. A clash between two regional clubs could also help the Vietnamese representative feel more confident in seeking points.

Shanghai Port (China) is another relatively feasible option. The Red Eagles still possess many quality players, but compared to Kashima Antlers or Jeonbuk, they are seen as an opponent CAHN can hope to exploit.

Pot 2: Newcastle Jets and JDT are two favorable draws

In Pot 2, CAHN should avoid Vissel Kobe (Japan) and Daejeon Hana Citizen (South Korea). Vissel Kobe's experience in the J1 League and the quality of Korean representatives could make the challenge too heavy.

On the other hand, Newcastle Jets (Australia) and Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysia) are seen as more manageable options.

Newcastle Jets still have the advantage of physicality and the Australian football environment, but CAHN can leverage their counter-attacking ability to make a difference. Meanwhile, JDT is a more familiar opponent for Southeast Asian football, giving CAHN a basis for tactical planning.

Pot 3: Port FC is a favorable draw

Pot 3 continues to bring significant challenges with Port FC (Thailand), Beijing Guoan (China), Kashiwa Reysol (Japan), and Pohang Steelers (South Korea).

Among these, Port FC could be the most accessible opponent for CAHN. Both teams being from Southeast Asia gives the Vietnamese representative added familiarity with playing style, weather conditions, and football environment.

Additionally, Beijing Guoan and CAHN have faced each other in the AFC Champions League Two group stage last season. This also provides some advantage in terms of familiarity for the police club.

Pot 4: CAHN avoids two Japanese teams

CAHN is in Pot 4 along with Ratchaburi (Thailand), Kyoto Sanga, and Gamba Osaka (Japan).

Since CAHN cannot face itself and the pot mechanism does not allow teams from the same pot to meet in the scenario under consideration, the Vietnamese representative does not have to worry about the two Japanese teams, Kyoto Sanga and Gamba Osaka, in this group.

This can also be seen as a certain advantage, given that Japan dominates in terms of the number of representatives in the East region.

CAHN's dream scenario

If considering the easiest possible path, CAHN could hope for a scenario consisting of:

• Pot 1: Shanghai Port
• Pot 2: Newcastle Jets
• Pot 3: Beijing Guoan
• Pot 4: Ratchaburi