Mano Polking, the head coach of Hanoi Police FC, expressed immense pride following their 2-0 victory against Adelaide United, which secured them a place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027. This win not only marks a significant milestone for the club but also for Vietnamese football as a whole.

After the match, Polking stated, "Now, we can face the strongest teams, play at the best stadiums, and compete with the top clubs and players in Asia." He emphasized that this is a crucial step for countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, to showcase their capabilities on a larger stage.

The match took place at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, Australia, on August 11, 2026. Despite facing challenges, including the absence of seven key players—six of whom were representing Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup and one due to suspension—Hanoi Police FC entered the match with confidence and managed to put Adelaide United under pressure.

Polking noted that the team had held a meeting prior to the match to stress the importance of competing against top continental opponents. The absence of key players like Nguyễn Quang Hải and Nguyễn Đình Bắc, who were leading scorers in the regional league, did not weaken the team's performance as expected.

Hanoi Police FC capitalized on defensive gaps late in the first half, with David Henen scoring the opening goal. The second goal came in the 65th minute when Henen's quick counterattack allowed Brayan Perea to seal the victory, igniting celebrations among the team's bench.

Polking expressed pride in how the team overcame adversity, highlighting that many players were new to the squad and had limited time to train together. He stated, "There are 5 or 6 completely new players. It’s not easy to make them play together and communicate effectively in just a month, which makes me very proud."

On the other hand, Adelaide United's coach, Airton Andrioli, acknowledged the team's defensive shortcomings at critical moments, leading to their defeat. This loss not only ends their Champions League aspirations after nearly a decade but could also have significant financial implications for the club.

As Hanoi Police FC prepares for their debut in the AFC Champions League Elite, they stand to gain millions of dollars, marking a historic achievement for Vietnamese football.