AFC Women's Champions League
Melbourne City finished with a perfect nine points, with Ho Chi Minh City also advancing as the runners-up. Stallion Laguna FC of the Philippines took third place but will have to wait to know if they can qualify as one of the two best third-placed sides.
Melbourne City started with afterburners on, taking the lead in the first minute after Aideen Keane’s cross was deflected into the path of Holly McNamara, who made no mistake from inside the six-yard-box.
Another lapse in concentration saw a poor Ho Chi Minh City clearance three minutes later allowing Leah Davidson to gain possession and set up Alexia Apostolakis to strike home from the edge of the box.
The Vietnamese side had a rare chance at the half-hour mark with Samia Aouni seeing her long-range effort sailing just over the bar while at the other end, Shelby McMahon and Deven Jackson stretched Ho Chi Minh’s defence with the later seeing her shot saved by Tran Thị Kim Thanh
Ho Chi Minh City were caught out again by Melbourne City’s attacking pace in the 41st minute after McNamara powered through the middle to set up McMahon for a thumping finish.
Melbourne City sent on Melissa Barbieri and Danella Butrus at the restart, while Ho Chi Minh City introduced Huynh Nhu and Tran Nguyen Bao Chau and the Vietnamese side looked livelier with Nhu forcing Barbieri into a save in the 58th minute.
Ho Chi Minh City continued to press with Thua K testing Barbieri from just above the box in the 65th minute while Phan Thi Trang wasted another chance from close range in the 78th as Melbourne City comfortably saw out the win.
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