Melbourne City delivered a day to remember at the Home of the Matildas on Sunday, securing a dramatic 2-1 win over PFC Nasaf to book a place in the AFC Women’s Champions League Semi Finals.
A late winner from substitute Chinaza Uchendu proved the difference in a tightly contested Quarter Final, with City showing composure and resilience to get the job done in front of a vocal home crowd.
Earlier in the afternoon, Holly McNamara had fired City into the lead before Nasaf responded just before the break, but it was Uchendu’s 90th-minute strike that ultimately sealed progression in thrilling fashion.
Adding to the occasion, results elsewhere confirmed City had secured the Ninja A-League Premiers Plate for a third consecutive season – a historic achievement that capped off a memorable day for the Club.
Team News
Head Coach Michael Matricciani made three changes to his starting XI, with Holly McNamara, Aideen Keane and Laura Hughes all returning to the lineup.
It marked a significant moment for Hughes, who made her first start since December after overcoming a knee injury, adding further quality and experience to City’s midfield for the high-stakes clash.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 3. Danielle TURNER, 14. Laura HUGHES, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 21. Aideen KEANE, 9. Holly McNAMARA.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI, 25. Ayana AOYAGI, 2. Ellie WILSON, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Keira SARRIS, 20. Caitlin KARIC.
What happened?
Nasaf began brightly, showing some sharp touches in the early exchanges, but City quickly settled into the contest and began to assert control with composed possession and attacking intent.
We looked the more dangerous side across the opening 20 minutes, with Shelby McMahon influential in midfield and the back four remaining solid whenever Nasaf looked to push forward. While clear-cut chances were limited early, City steadily built pressure and territory.
That pressure was eventually rewarded in the 38th minute. A well-worked move down the right saw Bryleeh Henry deliver a dangerous ball into the box, with McNamara initially denied by the goalkeeper before reacting quickest to head home the rebound and give City a deserved lead.
However, the advantage was short-lived. Nasaf responded just four minutes later, capitalising on a defensive scramble to level the scores. A lengthy VAR review followed for a potential infringement in the build-up, but the goal was ultimately awarded, sending the sides into the break locked at 1-1 despite City holding a strong share of possession.
There was still time for a special moment before the second half resumed, with news filtering through that Wellington Phoenix had dropped points in the Ninja A-League. The result confirmed City as Premiers for a third consecutive season, sparking a loud and emotional reaction around the ground as the players returned to the pitch.
The second half began with a concerning incident involving McNamara, who was struck in the back of the head by a powerful clearance from the Nasaf goalkeeper. After a lengthy delay – her second head knock of the match – she was substituted, with Danella Butrus introduced.
City continued to push forward as the half progressed, controlling possession and creating the better opportunities. Butrus made an immediate impact, driving forward and delivering a dangerous cutback that just evaded onrushing teammates.
The chances continued to come, with Keane going agonisingly close in the 80th minute when she crashed an effort against the crossbar. Moments later, Butrus again threatened, forcing a strong save after a brilliant piece of build-up play involving Uchendu.
With the match seemingly heading towards extra time, City found the decisive breakthrough in the 90th minute. A dangerous delivery into the box caused confusion in the Nasaf defence, with the ball eventually falling to Uchendu. Showing great composure, she flicked the ball up to herself, set, and fired home a clinical left-footed finish to send the Home of the Matildas into celebration.
City then remained composed through over eight minutes of stoppage time, seeing out the result professionally to secure a memorable win and progression to the final four.
What’s next?
City now advance to the AFC Women’s Champions League Semi Finals, which will be played in a centralised hub following the conclusion of the domestic season.
A clash against Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza awaits on Wednesday 20 May, with further details around venue and kick-off time to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
