Quang Hải sets out CAHN's ASEAN Club Championship goals, Văn Hậu names Theerathon Bunmathan toughest opponent

Công an Hà Nội (CAHN) defender Đoàn Văn Hậu has named Thailand and Buriram United full-back Theerathon Bunmathan as the most awkward opponent he has faced, while team-mate Nguyễn Quang Hải says the club has big targets in the 2026/27 ASEAN Club Championship, Bongdaplus reported. Neither spoke to Bongdaplus directly: Quang Hải's comments were published on the competition's official website, and Văn Hậu gave a short interview to the organisers.

Quang Hải on CAHN's ambitions

CAHN opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Lion City Sailors at Jalan Besar; Bongdaplus did not give the date of that game. The other teams in Group B are Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Persib Bandung, PKR Svay Rieng, Shan United and Port FC. Quang Hải said a good season depends on a good first game and that CAHN have many important goals this time. He rated every other side in the group as the strongest club from its country, adding that CAHN are one of those too and must fight for the best result. Bongdaplus summed up his message as CAHN being ready to compete with the likes of Buriram and JDT for the title.

The 1997-born midfielder praised coach Mano Polking, the Brazilian who won the AFF Cup with Thailand in 2020 and 2022 before leading CAHN to the 2025 Vietnamese Cup and the 2025/26 V.League title. Quang Hải said this is not his first season under Polking and that the two understand each other well.

Unfinished business with Buriram

CAHN's record in the competition, compiled by KBVN+ from Bongdaplus:

Quang Hải called the final defeat one of the most unforgettable moments for everyone at the club, but said it only adds fuel to their ambition this season.

Văn Hậu's answers

Asked for the best goal of his career, Văn Hậu picked his outside-of-the-foot finish against U23 Oman while playing for U23 Vietnam. He said Theerathon was the toughest opponent he has come up against in Southeast Asia, that his childhood idol was Lionel Messi, and that if he had not become a footballer he would most likely have been a farmer.

What comes next

CAHN face a crowded run before their next regional game. Văn Hậu is in the squad for the trip to Shanghai for the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite and, suspended in the V.League, is keen to play in Asia, Bongdaplus said. Đình Bắc was left out of the trip because of signs of fatigue. CAHN lost 1-4 away to Gamba Osaka and 0-1 at home to Kashima Antlers in their first two games, while Shanghai Port beat Ratchaburi 6-4 and drew 1-1 with Daejeon.

That is 3 matches in two competitions in 8 days, before travel is counted. JDT, last season's runners-up, are seen as one of the toughest tests in Group B. More on the Shanghai trip: Công an Hà Nội head to Shanghai. All upcoming games are on the Công an Hà Nội fixtures page.