2LT National News

WUHAN, May 24 (Xinhua) — Wuhan Jiangda etched their name in history by claiming the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League title in dramatic fashion, defeating Australia’s Melbourne City 5-4 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in the final here on Saturday.

Melbourne City broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when Shelby McMahon headed home from a free-kick. Wuhan Jiangda appeared to be heading for defeat until deep into stoppage time, when the Chinese side was awarded a penalty in the 95th minute. Star midfielder Wang Shuang calmly stepped up and converted from the spot to level the score and send the match into extra time.

Neither side managed to find a breakthrough during the extra 30 minutes, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, in which Wuhan held their composure to prevail 5-4.

On their way to the final, Wuhan had edged past tournament favorites Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan on penalties in the quarterfinal, before defeating Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City FC in the last four.