Vietnam overtake China in Asian football club rankings

By Hoang An May 2, 2022 | 12:23 am PT

HAGL head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang (C) and club members celebrate with their fans after a 1-0 victory over Australia’s Sydney FC in the group stage of the AFC Champions League in HCMC's Thong Nhat Stadium, May 1, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Vietnam climbed two places to 12th, overtaking China in the latest AFC Club Competitions Ranking thanks to the improved performance of HAGL at the 2022 AFC Champions League.

With the additional five points HAGL earned in the tournament, Vietnam now have 21,752 points, which put them above China's 15th place with 18,650 points, according to Footy Rankings, a database website that focuses on Asian football.

In Southeast Asia, Vietnam are still behind Malaysia at 10th place with 24,450 points and Thailand at 11th place with 22,550 points.

AFC divides Asian clubs into two different regions, East Asia and West Asia. In the East Asia region, Vietnam rank sixth.

Responsible for the rise of Vietnam on football league rankings is the performance of HAGL, who defeated Australia’s Sydney FC in their last match in group H in 2022 AFC Champions League to register their first win of the tournament on Sunday night.

It was HAGL’s first victory in the event since 2004.

HAGL finished third behind South Korean champions Jeonbuk FC and Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos.

If Vietnam retain their current position, the team would be guaranteed a direct slot in the AFC Champions League group stage, one slot in the AFC Champions League qualifying round and a direct slot in the AFC Cup group stage next time.

AFC club ranking calculates points for countries based on the performances of their clubs in the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.