Chinese powerhouse Wuhan Jiangda walked away with a whopping $1.3 million (approx. KSh 169 million) after winning the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League—a historic triumph that not only underscored their continental dominance but also came with lucrative financial rewards at every stage of the tournament.Among the trailblazers was Kenyan forward Tereza Engesha, who made history by becoming the first-ever Kenyan footballer to win the AFC Women’s Champions League, proudly flying the Harambee Starlets’ flag on Asia’s biggest women’s club football stage.##NAJAVA_MECA_8945544##Wuhan Jiangda’s path to glory came with serious cash:Group stage: $100,000Quarter-finals: $80,000Semi-finals: $120,000Champions: $1,000,000Total: $1.3 million (approx. KSh 169 million)Fans divided over Victor Wanyama’s desire to return to Harambee StarsThis windfall is expected to trickle down to the players, making the victory not just a historic feat but also a potentially life-changing financial boost for the team and individuals like Engesha.Engesha played a vital role throughout the tournament and started in the intense final held on Saturday, 24 May, against Melbourne City of Australia. The two teams were locked 1-1 after regular and extra time, with Wuhan ultimately clinching the title 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout.The match was a rollercoaster. Melbourne took the lead in the 76th minute through Shelby McMahon, but Wuhan’s refusal to give up paid off. In added time, a VAR review ruled out City’s potential second goal for a foul, and soon after, another VAR check awarded Wuhan a penalty for handball. Wang Shuang converted from the spot in the 98th minute to level the score and send the match into extra time.Kenyan footballers face growing mental health challenges, experts warnThe former Vihiga Queens striker, who was a constant threat down the flank, was subbed off in the 86th minute, having put in a tireless shift. The extra time period saw close chances from both ends—McMahon, Speckmaier, and McKenna for City, and relentless attacks from Wuhan—but neither side found a breakthrough.In the shootout, Wuhan kept their cool, converting all five penalties, while City missed one, sealing a 5-4 win and etching their name into Asian football history.Zico insists Gor Mahia remain on course for league and cup doubleAFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa lauded the milestone event.“The advancement of women’s football has been a significant priority for the AFC in recent years… the successful conclusion of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League signifies a monumental leap forward in our commitment to elevate the women’s game across all our Member Associations.”With this triumph, Wuhan Jiangda now set their sights on the global stage. They will represent the AFC at the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, starting with a clash against OFC champions Auckland United FC in the preliminary stage round 1. The winner of that tie will face the CAF Champions League winners in the second round.Nairobi United reveal transfer plan after securing FKF Premier League slot
