Melbourne City’s Dream Dashed! Wuhan Jiangda Clinches AFC Women’s Champions League Final on Penalties | Highlights
As the match approached its climax, the clock read 91:10 when Bryleeh Henry found the back of the net, a goal that would have crowned Melbourne City as Asian Champions.
However, in a harrowing 168 seconds, City’s aspirations for the AFC Women’s Champions League title slipped away, paving the way for Wuhan Jiangda to triumph in the penalty shootout against the Ninja A-League side.
MATCH REPORT: Disappointment as Melbourne City loses Champions League final on penalties
City had held a 1-0 lead in stoppage time during the second half, thanks to a powerful header from 17-year-old Shelby McMahon in the 76th minute. The teenager’s heroics in the Semi-Finals propelled City to the tournament final, and her goal seemed destined to cap off a spectacular week in her burgeoning career.
At that point, everything changed. In the second minute of added time, Henry reclaimed possession in midfield, igniting an attacking play that culminated in the young winger scoring what City believed was the decisive goal.
Teammates rushed to celebrate with Henry as City coach Michael Matricciani opened his arms wide in jubilation – only for the celebration to be abruptly halted by a VAR review.
The referee’s examination scrutinised Henry’s challenge on Wuhan defender Yuxin Zhao, which had led to the possession switch. Upon returning to the field, the referee awarded a free-kick to Wuhan, nullifying Henry’s stoppage-time strike.
Disaster struck less than three minutes later as another VAR review resulted in a handball being called against Mariana Speckmaier in City’s defensive area, leading to a penalty for Wuhan.
Wang Shuang converted from the spot, drawing the match level and sending it into extra time.
On the brink of Asian glory, City failed to secure a second goal during the additional 30 minutes and ultimately succumbed to a 5-4 defeat in the penalty shootout, as Wuhan, not City, reveled in the joy of being crowned champions of Asia.
Those frantic 168 seconds between Henry’s disallowed goal and Speckmaier’s handball epitomised the harsh realities of tournament football, with City’s victory painfully snatched away at the last moment.
MATCH REPORT: Disappointment as Melbourne City loses Champions League final on penalties
“We all cherish football for these moments,” City coach Michael Matricciani reflected post-match.
“Sometimes the outcome favours you, other times it doesn’t. I thought we played exceptionally well over the full 120 minutes, creating numerous chances to win comfortably.”
“Of course, some later decisions didn’t go our way with VAR… but we remained resilient, especially with such a tremendous crowd – it was a privilege to play in front of them. I’m incredibly proud of my team.”
“What truly pleased me was how we reacted after scoring what we thought was the winner, only for VAR to call it back for a foul. I haven’t reviewed it yet, but I can only assume it was a foul.”
“Then they tried to launch a barrage of long balls, and we did our best to withstand that pressure. I haven’t seen the incident again, but apparently one of our players’ arms made contact, resulting in the penalty.”
“When they scored, we managed to keep our composure… It’s common for teams to falter in those moments, especially when the opposition is fully backed by the crowd. It’s a testament to our players.”
“I was so incredibly proud in that moment. I wondered if we had the courage to keep playing and to keep trying to dominate the ball, and we did. That’s the City spirit.”
Saturday night’s heartbreak in the final marked a sorrowful conclusion to a season in which City clinched the Ninja A-League Premiership, enjoying an unbeaten regular season – a remarkable achievement that secures the club’s return to the AFC Women’s Champions League in 2025-26.
“I’m immensely proud of the team, and they will only improve from this experience,” Matricciani stated. “We’re thrilled to have won the Premiership again in Australia, and we’ve qualified once more for this magnificent competition, which I believe will continue to grow and thrive. We’re excited for what lies ahead.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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