WUHAN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- China's Wuhan Jiangda advanced to the final of the inaugural AFC Women's Champions League, following a commanding 2-0 win over Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City FC here on Wednesday.
Cheered on by nearly 5,000 home supporters, Wuhan took control of the match early. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute, when local star Wang Shuang pounced on a poor clearance and curled a stunning strike into the net.
The momentum continued in the second half. Just nine minutes after the restart, Song Duan unleashed a long-range shot from outside the penalty area. The ball dipped sharply, leaving the Ho Chi Minh City goalkeeper with no chance and sealing Wuhan's place in the final.
Wuhan maintained much of the same lineup from its quarterfinal clash against Japanese powerhouse Urawa Red Diamonds. Despite being under pressure in that match, the team held its nerve and triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout, knocking out the tournament's favorite.
The final will be held on Saturday, where the five-time Chinese Women's Super League champion will face either South Korea's Hyundai Steel Red Angels or Australia's Melbourne City FC. ■
