The "easiest" scenario for CAHN in the Asian Champions League

With a favorable draw, Hanoi Police could sidestep the toughest Japanese and Korean teams, potentially paving the way for the Vietnamese club to vie for a knockout berth in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite.

After overcoming Adelaide United to make their first appearance in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2026/27, Hanoi Police are awaiting the group stage draw. This will determine to some extent the difficulty level of their journey in Asia's most prestigious club competition.

Being in Pot 4, CAHN is certain to face opponents from higher seed pots. However, if the draw pairsthe police teamagainst opponents consideredwithin their capacity, the chance to compete for one of the top eight spots to advance will become clearer.

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

In Pot 1, CAHN definitely does not want to face Kashima Antlers (Japan) or Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea). Both are traditionally strong and have extensive experience in continental competitions.

Instead, Buriram United (Thailand) might be the most anticipated name.The Thunder Castleis not an easy opponent, but CAHN has the advantage of being very familiar with Southeast Asian football. A match 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 Eaglesstill possess many quality players, but compared to Kashima Antlers or Jeonbuk, this is considered an opponent that CAHN can hope to exploit.

Pot 2: Newcastle Jets and Johor Darul Ta'zim 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.

Conversely, Newcastle Jets (Australia) and Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysia) are considered the more manageable options.

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

Pot 3: Beijing Guoan is a favorable draw

Pot 3 continues to bring significant challenges. Among these, Beijing Guoan may be the most accessible opponent for CAHN. The fact that the two teams have faced each other in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two last season gives some advantage of familiarity to the police team.

Pot 4: CAHN will definitely face two Japanese clubs

According to the draw rules, CAHN cannot face themselves and the seeding mechanism does not allow them to meet Ratchaburi (Thailand). Gamba Osaka and Kyoto Sanga (Japan) are both rated higher than the police team.

Among them, Gamba is the reigning champion of the AFC Champions League Two. Nerazzurri defeated Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in the final in May, while Kyoto is also one of the newcomers alongside CAHN in this season's ACLE.

CAHN's Dream Scenario

If considering the mostcomfortablescenario, CAHN can hope for a group consisting of:

• Pot 1: Kashima Antlers, Shanghai Port.
• Pot 2: Vissel Kobe, Newcastle Jets.
• Pot 3: Beijing Guoan, Kashiwa Reysol.
• Pot 4: Gamba Osaka, Kyoto Sanga.