Wuhan edge Melbourne to win inaugural AFC Women's Champions League
WUHAN: Wuhan Jiangda beat Melbourne City 5-4 on penalties on Saturday to lift the first-ever Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League trophy before an emotional home crowd in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
The Australian side were poised to win until Wang Shuang converted a penalty for the five-time Chinese Super League champions, in the eighth minute of time added on, and forced extra-time.
Neither side were able to score in extra-time so the final went down to the dreaded shootout.
"This path was very difficult, and we are very happy to win this championship," said 31-year-old Wuhan goalkeeper Chen Chen.
"We also made a piece of history for Wuhan."
A tight first-half offered up few chances, with former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Wang going close to breaking the deadlock.
Her goalbound shot was smartly saved by Spanish international goalkeeper Malena Mieres seconds before the halftime whistle.
City's semi-final heroine Shelby McMahon broke the deadlock with a header in the 76th minute to put the visitors 1-0 up.
The 17-year-old's goal seemed to energise coach Michael Matricciani's team, with Bryleeh Henry finding the back of the net – only for that to be ruled out for a foul, handing the hosts a lifeline.
Wang finally beat Mieres in the eighth minute of time added on, converting a penalty, sending the 18,000 home fans wild and offering them hope of even better to come.
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