Jiang Chenjing (top) of Wuhan Jiangda WFC celebrates with teammates after scoring during the FIFA Women's Championships Cup 2026 football match between Wuhan Jiangda WFC of China and Auckland United FC of New Zealand in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
WUHAN, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Wuhan Jiangda WFC advanced to the next round of the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup here on Wednesday after defeating Auckland United FC 1-0.
The home side, winner of the AFC Women's Champions League, displayed composure and control over the champion of this year's OFC Women's Champions League. Wuhan pressed early, nearly taking the lead in the 5th minute when Song Duan's close-range shot forced a spill from Auckland goalkeeper Hannah Mitchell. Wuhan continued to dominate possession in the first half, creating several chances but failing to convert.
After the break, Wuhan intensified its attack. In the 73rd minute, Wuhan native Wang Shuang found the net, only for the goal to be ruled offside. Wuhan kept pressing and was finally rewarded in the 87th minute when Kim Hyeri slipped the ball to Jiang Chenjing, who calmly slotted home the winner.
Auckland United launched a late surge during four-minute stoppage time, but Wuhan's defense held firm, with its goalkeeper making several key saves to preserve the lead.
With the victory, Wuhan moves one step closer to the global stage and will next face the champion of the CAF Women's Champions League, who will be crowned in November. That match will be staged in December at a venue still to be confirmed. ■
Kim Hye-Ri (2nd L) of Wuhan Jiangda WFC celebrates after assisting teammate Jiang Chenjing scoring during the FIFA Women's Championships Cup 2026 football match between Wuhan Jiangda WFC of China and Auckland United FC of New Zealand in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Yao Wei, Jiang Chenjing, Wang Shuang, Kim Hye-Ri and Mavis Owusu (L to R) of Wuhan Jiangda WFC celebrate scoring during the FIFA Women's Championships Cup 2026 football match between Wuhan Jiangda WFC of China and Auckland United FC of New Zealand in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Auckland United FC's goalkeeper Hannah Mitchell (top R) and player Kristen Molloy (top L) compete during the FIFA Women's Championships Cup 2026 football match between Wuhan Jiangda WFC of China and Auckland United FC of New Zealand in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Yao Wei, Jiang Chenjing, Wang Shuang and Kim Hye-Ri (L to R) of Wuhan Jiangda WFC celebrate scoring during the FIFA Women's Championships Cup 2026 football match between Wuhan Jiangda WFC of China and Auckland United FC of New Zealand in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Deng Mengye (L) of Wuhan Jiangda WFC vies for a header with Alaina Granger (R) of Auckland United FC during the FIFA Women's Championships Cup 2026 football match between Wuhan Jiangda WFC of China and Auckland United FC of New Zealand in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Jiang Chenjing (front L) of Wuhan Jiangda WFC celebrates victory after the FIFA Women's Championships Cup 2026 football match between Wuhan Jiangda WFC of China and Auckland United FC of New Zealand in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Kim Hye-Ri (C) of Wuhan Jiangda WFC celebrates after assisting teammate Jiang Chenjing scoring during the FIFA Women's Championships Cup 2026 football match between Wuhan Jiangda WFC of China and Auckland United FC of New Zealand in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
