CAHN faces a 'supreme' challenge in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite

For the first time appearing in the AFC Champions League Elite, Cong An Ha Noi is set to confront numerous powerful rivals from Japan, China, and Malaysia.

Cong An Ha Noi (CAHN) secured a spot in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) after a 2-0 victory over Adelaide United (Australia). However, this historic ticket also means that coach Alexandre Polking's squad is about to step into Asia's highest-intensity and most professional competition.

The luck of the draw has placed CAHN in a position to face teams with vastly superior resources from Japan, China, and Malaysia. The gap in squad quality, international experience, and match intensity will be a major challenge for coach Alexandre Polking.

Among the opponents of the police force's team, representatives from the J1 League such as Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol, Gamba Osaka, and Kyoto Sanga are all names with very strong football foundations.

Kashima Antlers boast a rich history of achievements and experience in continental competitions. Meanwhile, Vissel Kobe stands out with its control of matches and the technical quality of its players. Kashiwa Reysol is also a formidable challenge, as the Sun Kings possess solid technical foundations and good ball control. Among the remaining Japanese representatives, Gamba Osaka is somewhat rated higher as the reigning champions of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2); Kyoto Sanga is also one of the newcomers to this season's ACLE.

CAHN will also have to face strong Chinese teams like Shanghai Port and Beijing Guoan. These are clubs with competitive squads and the ability to exert great pressure. Beijing Guoan might be the most approachable opponent for CAHN. The fact that the two teams previously met in the ACL2 group stage last season gives some advantage in familiarity for the police team.

Notably, Johor Darul Ta'zim from the Malaysian Super League is also a challenge not to be underestimated. This team has dominated the Malaysian Super League for many years and regularly appears in Asian competitions. If forced to play away at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, CAHN will certainly face enormous pressure.

Not only must CAHN face strong clubs, but they also need to solve the problems of match schedules and travel. Consecutive away trips to Japan, China, or Malaysia could significantly affect the players' fitness.

The intensity of competition in the ACLE is also significantly higher than in the V-League. Therefore, coach Polking's ability to rotate and manage personnel will play a crucial role. Nevertheless, CAHN still possesses notable strengths. Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Filip, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Vu Van Thanh, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, along with a quality foreign contingent, provide the police team with the basis to spring surprises.

In particular, the mentality of an underdog team can become an advantage, helping coach Polking's squad to create upsets. CAHN is not under pressure to win every match and can fully choose a counter-attacking defensive style against superior opponents.