Wuhan players pose with the first AFC Women's Champions League trophy. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq] 

The Wuhan Jianghan University Women's Soccer Club faced Melbourne City FC on May 24 in the final of the first-ever 2024-2025 AFC Women's Champions League.

The Wuhan team secured the inaugural Asian women's club football championship trophy after a gripping three-hour encounter, where they won with a 6-5 penalty shootout victory after the match went into extra time following a 1-1 draw.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) introduced this landmark tournament in 2024, mirroring the well-established men's AFC Champions League. Wuhan qualified for the tournament's main stage as the reigning champions of the 2023 Chinese Women's Super League.

The Wuhan team clinches victory in the first AFC Women's Champions League. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]

In October 2024, during the group stage matches held in Wuhan, the team advanced to the quarterfinals as one of the top third-placed teams. By March 2025, they traveled to Japan, where they faced the formidable Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies. After a grueling 120-minute match and a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, they secured their place in the semifinals.

On May 21, Wuhan overcame Ho Chi Minh City FC with a decisive 2-0 victory in the semifinals, earning their spot in the final. Melbourne City FC took the lead in the 76th minute, but Wuhan's Wang Shuang equalized with a penalty in injury time.

Founded in 2001, the Wuhan team is a trailblazer in the Chinese Women's Football League. They have claimed the Women's Super League title five consecutive times, the most in the league's history. The club has also won the Women's Championship, FA Cup, and Super League titles.

The Wuhan team competes with Melbourne City FC in the final of the first-ever 2024-2025 AFC Women's Champions League. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]