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Chinaza Uchendu Nets First City Goal as Melbourne City See Off Sydney FC
Melbourne City picked up where they left off in 2025, opening 2026 in the Ninja A-League with another composed and professional display to claim a 1–0 victory over Sydney FC at ctrl:cyber Pitch on Sunday.
In blustery conditions, Chinaza Uchendu proved the difference, scoring her first goal in City colours shortly after half-time to cap a strong all-round performance. While the scoreline was narrow, City controlled large periods of the contest and restricted the visitors to few clear-cut chances, extending an impressive run of festive-season form.
Strong winds contributed to a cautious opening, with both sides easing into the match during the early exchanges. The opening ten minutes were even, but City soon began to assert dominance, particularly down the right flank where Alexia Apostolakis and Aideen Keane combined effectively.
City went close in the 16th minute when Holly McNamara unleashed a fierce long-range strike that crashed against the underside of the crossbar before bouncing the wrong side of the line. That moment sparked sustained pressure from the hosts, who earned a series of corners as Sydney were pushed deep into their own half.
The pressure continued as half-time approached, with Keane twice denied in the 40th minute—first by an excellent save from the Sydney goalkeeper and then by a last-ditch defensive block.
Despite City’s dominance, Sydney almost stole a goal against the run of play just before the interval. Malena Mieres, largely untested up to that point, produced a stunning save to tip Hannah Lowry’s powerful long-range effort over the bar in the dying seconds of the half.
City finally made the breakthrough seven minutes into the second period. McNamara won a key aerial duel and flicked the ball into the path of Uchendu, who showed strength and composure to hold off her marker before guiding a precise finish off the inside of the post. It was a deserved reward for City’s persistence and a memorable first goal for Uchendu in City colours.
Sydney looked to respond immediately, but Mieres was again equal to the task, producing another fine save to deny Sarah Hunter. City head coach Michael Matricciani then turned to his bench, with Bryleeh Henry making her long-awaited return in the 67th minute to inject fresh energy into the attack.
City continued to press, with Leticia McKenna firing narrowly wide in the 74th minute as the hosts searched for a second goal. While Sydney applied late pressure, City’s defence remained composed, dealing confidently with crosses and second balls to secure a deserved clean sheet.
Melbourne City will now turn their attention to their first away fixture of 2026, travelling to Wellington to face the Phoenix next Saturday.
