Melbourne City’s AFC Women’s Champions League campaign is set to begin, with Michael Matricciani’s squad eyeing another deep run on the continental stage.
After travelling to Vietnam on Monday, the team has now settled into Ho Chi Minh City and completed preparations for Thursday night’s Group Stage opener against Singapore’s Lion City Sailors.
All three of City’s fixtures in the hub will be played at Thong Nhat Stadium, with each match streamed live and free via YouTube.
The quest to go one better starts now
You won’t need too much reminding of just how close City came to continental glory last season – within minutes of being crowned the first-ever winners of the AFC Women’s Champions League.
Two dramatic VAR interventions in stoppage time turned a 2-0 lead into a 1-1 draw, before City ultimately fell in a heartbreaking penalty shootout. It’s a finish that has fuelled plenty of motivation among a large contingent of returning players as the team embarks on another campaign.
City skipper Rebekah Stott was named Player of the Tournament in that unforgettable run, leading the side through an unbeaten campaign until the Final. Once again, her leadership and composure will be crucial as City aim to return to the summit of Asian football.
This year’s Group Stage hub will see City take on three different opponents in quick succession – beginning with Lion City Sailors, followed by Stallion Laguna (Philippines) and host club Ho Chi Minh City in the coming days.
Carrying our strong domestic form into Asia
City arrive in Vietnam full of confidence after an outstanding start to the domestic season. A 2-2 draw away to Sydney FC in Round 1 was followed by a dominant 4-0 win over Central Coast Mariners last weekend at the City Football Academy.
Shelby McMahon and Holly McNamara have both started the season in electric form, each netting braces in the Round 2 win. McMahon, in particular, has shown a knack for the AWCL stage – scoring in both the Semi Final and Final of last season’s campaign.
The team’s early performances have also reflected the same hallmarks that defined last season’s success: control in midfield, defensive discipline, and a relentless attacking style. With momentum on our side, City will look to translate that domestic form into international success as the Group Stage begins.
Tough conditions and a new opponent
City’s preparations in Ho Chi Minh City have been met with the usual challenges of tropical football – heat hovering around 30 degrees and scattered thunderstorms throughout the week. But those conditions won’t dampen the team’s determination to start strong in Group A.
Thursday’s opponent, Lion City Sailors, is Singapore’s reigning powerhouse, having lifted the Women’s Premier League Championship three years in a row. Although they finished third in this year’s campaign, they proved their continental quality during August’s Preliminary Stage, conceding just once and scoring eight goals across three matches to qualify for the Group Stage.
Forward Farah Nurzahirah and attacking midfielder Ami Takeuchi have been among their standout performers, ensuring City’s defence will be kept alert from the opening whistle.
Fixture Details
AFC Women’s Champions League: Group Stage – Matchday 1
Melbourne City FC v Lion City Sailors FC (Singapore)
Thursday 13 November, 7:00pm (AEDT)
Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City
Watch live and free via YouTube
