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Wuhan Jiangda Win Historic First AFC Women’s Champions League Title

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Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC made history on Saturday night by winning the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League title, edging Melbourne City FC 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium.

A dramatic final saw Melbourne’s Shelby McMahon give the Australians a first-half lead, only for Chinese star Wang Shuang to level the score deep into stoppage time with a coolly taken penalty. The match extended into extra time before heading to a nerve-wracking shootout, where Wuhan goalkeeper Chen Chen stepped up as the hero with two crucial saves.

The victory earned praise from AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who congratulated Wuhan Jiangda for their trailblazing triumph in what he called “a milestone moment for women’s football in Asia.”

As reigning Chinese Women’s Super League champions and now continental queens, Wuhan will go on to represent Asia at the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. They are set to face Oceania champions Auckland United FC in the Preliminary Stage Round 1, with the winner advancing to face the CAF champions in Round 2.

Wuhan’s triumph not only cements their legacy but also marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of women’s club football across the continent.

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