Super sub Shelby McMahon sends Melbourne City to the Asian Champions League final

Teenager Shelby McMahon scored an insane goal in the final seconds of Melbourne City’s AFC Champions League semi-final to put them one win away from a huge cash prize and glory.

Melbourne City are just one win away from a huge payday after a late goal from Gold Coast teenager Shelby McMahon secured the team’s place in the inaugural Asian Women’s Champions League.

City had their A-League hopes crushed when they were knocked out of in the semi-final by eventual champions Central Coast Mariners.

But that loss didn’t batter their confidence too much – with City securing a 1-0 win over South Korea’s Incheon Red Angels to progress to the final.

After almost 90 minutes of play the scores were locked at 0-0. But substitute McMahon, just 17, rose to the occasion – banging in a sensational long-range shot with just seconds left on the clock.

It was her first goal of the season.

Shelby McMahon kicked the sealer for Melbourne City. Picture: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

“I don’t shoot from out there – I don’t know what I was thinking,” McMahon said post-match.

“I went for it and we’ll take it. You’ve got to take the half-chances if they’re there.

“The girls were yelling ‘shoot!’ so trusting my teammates and trusting myself to get us across the line was the biggest, most important part.”

City haven’t dropped a game in the pursuit of Champions League victory and the huge prize money pool that is up for grabs.

Making the final guarantees them at least $1.25 million with the winner taking home $2 million – each player will pocket close to $50,000 - almost double the average wage of an ALW player.

94th minute. 0-0. A spot in an Asian final on the line. 17-year-old Shelby McMahon stepped up with THIS 🚀😳

Goals to win a Semi Final don’t get much better - let alone from a teenager!

What a star. What a night for Melbourne City. pic.twitter.com/D07yy75ftT

— Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) May 21, 2025

The Year 12 student, who relocated from the Gold Coast for the chance to play with City, said it was redemption after they missed out on the chance to play in the ALW final.

“It’s the first time, so proud that we can represent Australia and be the ones to give it a crack,” she said.

“Obviously the money means a lot more to the girls in the team than it does to me at 17.”

While McMahon gets the credit for scoring the goal it took a real team effort to keep the Red Angels at bay for 90 minutes.

City keeper Malena Mieres were called on early – making a crucial save just five minutes into the game.

Holly McNamara returned to the starting side. Picture: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Leticia McKenna played a pivotal role – even hitting the crossbar early in the first half.

She really controlled the midfield and kept the pressure up.

Holly McNamara was back in the starting side after her concussion and broken nose in the semi-final – the injury doesn’t seem to have affected her ability on the ball.

McMahon came off the bench after the half-time break to replace Laura Hughes, who was battling an illness.

It was a fairly even contest with City having 10 shots to Red Angles 13. City had slightly more possession with 57 per cent of the ball.

Melbourne City will face Chinese powerhouse Wuhan Jiangda in the final at 10pm on Saturday.

Originally published as Super sub Shelby McMahon sends Melbourne City to the Asian Champions League final