City learned they had claimed a third consecutive A-League Women premiership plate, courtesy of Wellington's shock 1-0 loss to Western Sydney on Sunday afternoon, then capped off the result with a quarter-final win in Bundoora.
"Just really pleased for for the whole group, the club in general, they put a lot of resources and time into the women's program. It's paying off," coach Michael Matricciani said.
"A lot of emotions and a lot to celebrate."
Chinaza Uchendu was the hero, taking a lovely right-footed touch over her head then lashing home a 90th-minute winner with her left to seal City's progression to a WACL final-four clash with Japanese club Tokyo Verdy Beleza.
But victory came at a cost, with star striker McNamara, who scored the opening goal, forced off in the 53rd minute after goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova's attempted clearance hit her in the back of the head.
"It's a concussion, an unfortunate one ... you could see straight away, it knocked her out," Matricciani said.
"But she's fine now, and she's feeling good, and she's got good memory of it.
"Obviously, she's quite disappointed, and still, you know, got a pretty bad headache, but she'll be able to bounce back from this."
McNamara had limited Asian Cup minutes but provided she passes concussion protocols, will be in Australia's squad for two friendlies in Kenya next month.
"She was a deserved squad member and played her part with the Matildas so hopefully she can be fine to travel for their next camp," Matricciani said.
McNamara gave City the lead in the 38th minute when she had one shot blocked then reacted fastest to head home the rebound.
The striker required treatment to her head/jaw after she was clipped by a Nasaf defender, but played on.
The visitors equalised four minutes later when Malena Mieres failed to properly clear the ball and Zarina Mamatkarimova chipped the City goalkeeper.
Uchendu's fierce late strike delivered a redemption story days after being handed a four-game ban - which would end her ALW season - for lashing out at Wanderers defender Alana Cerne.
City are appealing that ban in a bid to have Uchendu available for a potential grand-final berth.
"She's going to get that punishment of missing a lot of games, but in the Champions League, she's eligible, and she played a really big part in obviously winning the game for us," Matricciani said.
"So really pleased for her, because it was tough for a few days, but the group got around her and we backed her."
