China PR outfit Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC have made history by becoming the first team to win a match at the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™.
In front of more than 30,000 supporters at the Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium a late Jiang Chenjing goal secured the hosts a 1-0 victory over OFC champions Auckland United FC in the first round of this inaugural tournament.
The visitors from New Zealand were missing the injured Saskia Vosper but managed to hold the Asian champions at bay for long spells, with Dani Canham forcing Chen Chen into an acrobatic save to tip a rasping effort over the bar midway through the opening term.
At the other end, Hannah Mitchell pulled off a fine double save to deny firstly Ma Jun and then Wu Haiyan as the teams went to the break with the score unbroken.
Auckland’s American-born custodian pulled off another fine save to thwart a rasping Qin Manman effort three minutes into the second period before Chinese national star Wang Shuang looked to have handed Wuhan the lead only for her 74th minute effort to be chalked off for offside.
Just as things appeared headed for extra-time, Wuhan struck. A cushioned header from Kim Hyeri released substitute Jiang, who steered her effort past Mitchell from adjacent to the penalty spot to seal the win in the 88th minute.
Wuhan now advance to the second round, where they will face the African champions in December. The identity of their opponents will be revealed on 23 November when the CAF Women’s Champions League concludes.
“It was an exceptionally tough match, Auckland United displayed such resilience that impressed us, they are a good team. This is a historic moment and a historic stage. I believe that for women’s football clubs worldwide, this is a stage of great significance. We all enjoyed it and hope that there will be more and more events like this, allowing women’s football to develop better and faster globally.”
Wang Shuang, Wuhan Jiangda striker
“I’m so proud of the group and everything that we have achieved here, it’s been a long, long journey battling for women’s football in New Zealand and across the globe. I’m so proud of our players, our team and also every club that is participating in this competition that are helping to grow women’s club football across the globe. To play in front of all these fans is something that I will hold in my memory forever.”
Talisha Green, Auckland United FC captain
