Cong An Nang Dan defeated Adelaide United 2:0 in the first preliminary round of the AFC Champions League on 11 August 2026. The Vietnamese side secured their passage with two second-half goals, despite Adelaide controlling more of the ball. Adelaide United had 54 per cent possession but could not find the net, while Cong An Nang Dan made the most of their chances.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 41st minute through David Henen, who finished a move to give his team the lead. By then Adelaide had already shown their intent with two yellow cards to L. Adou and P. Kikianis. Brian Perea doubled the advantage in the 64th minute, putting the tie beyond doubt. Things came to a head as Adelaide pushed forward but found no resolution.
Adelaide United made four substitutions in the second half, bringing on Juan Muniz, Henen, Fernando Talladira and Alan Grafite. They turned to the kids late on in search of a reply, but the visitors held firm. D. Sabater came off in stoppage time, and Dinh Thanh Binh picked up a yellow card on 90+5 minutes.
Adelaide United dominated possession at 54 per cent but registered seven shots on target with none finding the net. Cong An Nang Dan were more clinical, landing eight shots on target and scoring twice. Shots accuracy was identical at one for both sides, but the difference lay in conversion.
Adelaide United carry a mixed record into this competition, having lost 1:2 to South Melbourne in their most recent outing. Cong An Nang Dan's form has been steadier, with a 2:1 victory over Binh Duong before their last match. The result leaves the Vietnamese side in control of their fate in the preliminary round.