Melbourne City wrapped up its AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage campaign in emphatic fashion on Wednesday night, defeating hosts Ho Chi Minh City 3-0 to secure top spot in Group A and lock in a home Quarter Final in March.
Two goals inside the opening four minutes – including one after just 36 seconds – set the tone for a dominant first half in which City showcased the composure, intensity and technical quality that have defined our Group Stage campaign.
While the second half never quite matched the explosiveness of the opening exchanges, City’s professionalism ensured the result was never in doubt, concluding the Group Stage with 15 goals scored and none conceded – a testament to the team’s consistency across all three fixtures.
Team News
With a result required to clinch top spot, Head Coach Michael Matricciani opted for continuity, naming the same starting XI that delivered a Club-record win over Stallion Laguna on Sunday night.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Danielle TURNER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 14. Laura HUGHES, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 21. Aideen KEANE, 9. Holly MCNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 25. Ayana AOYAGI (GK), 7. Danella BUTRUS, 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 19. Keira SARRIS, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 22. Bryleeh HENRY.
What happened?
City could hardly have scripted a better start. With just 36 seconds on the clock, Alexia Apostolakis drove into the box from the right and delivered a dangerous ball that caused chaos in the Ho Chi Minh defence. Aideen Keane applied enough pressure to force a spill, and Holly McNamara – alert as ever – pounced to slam home the opener from close range.
Barely had the celebrations died down when City doubled the advantage. In the fourth minute, Apostolakis found herself in space outside the area and didn’t hesitate, striking low and true. A slight deflection off a defender made the effort even trickier for the goalkeeper, but the full-back’s intent and technique earned her a second goal of the tournament.
The hosts attempted to respond immediately, but a crucial last-ditch challenge from Danielle Turner inside the area snuffed out what would have been a clear scoring opportunity – the experienced defender timing her intervention to perfection.
From there, City settled into complete control. The midfield trio dictated the tempo, recycling possession with ease and allowing the side to dominate the ball for extended stretches. After Keane was substituted as a precaution following a minor knock, Deven Jackson entered the contest and slotted seamlessly into the front line.
City’s third arrived five minutes before the break after a slick team move carved open the Ho Chi Minh City defence. McNamara burst into the area before cutting the ball back for Shelby McMahon, who made no mistake with a composed finish.
At the interval, Matricciani made several rotations. Melissa Barbieri replaced Malena Mieres in goal, while Danella Butrus came on for Turner as City managed minutes across a busy schedule.
The second half saw the hosts enjoy a little more of the ball and register a couple of half chances, but Barbieri remained largely untested. With three games played in quick succession and in challenging conditions, City understandably looked a touch fatigued in the closing stages, but our structure and discipline ensured the match never drifted out of our control.
Further changes saw Chinaza Uchendu and Caitlin Karic introduced, while Kaya Jugovic earned late minutes as the match wound down. City ultimately saw out the final half hour with maturity, preserving yet another clean sheet to complete a flawless Group Stage.
What’s next?
City will enjoy a well-earned break before resuming Ninja A-League action on Sunday 7 December, hosting Wellington Phoenix at home.
Don’t miss our City girls returning home — secure your seats now!
Attention will then turn back to continental matters early next year, with the draw for the AFC Women’s Champions League knockout stages to be held on January 8, ahead of a home Quarter Final scheduled for late March.
