Girma opens Chelsea account with in crucial FA Cup victory
Chelsea hosted Manchester United in the fifth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup at Kingsmeadow on Sunday. Last year’s finalists were unlucky with the draw, having one exit early in the competition.
Only one point separates the sides in the Barclays Women’s Super League, so this fixture was set to be an exciting contest that tested both sides on the back of a heavy fixture schedule.
Goalscorers:
Sam Kerr (‘78) - Chelsea
Simi Awujo (‘81) - Manchester United
Naomi Girma (‘99) - Chelsea
Chelsea secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Women’s FA Cup with a dramatic extra-time victory over Manchester United Women at Kingsmeadow, showing resilience, patience, and championship mentality in a tightly fought contest.
Fast Start, Frustration in Front of Goal
On a bright afternoon in south-west London, Chelsea Women began on the front foot, dominating possession and territory from the opening exchanges. Early chances fell to Lauren James, Alyssa Thompson and Erin Cuthbert as the Blues applied sustained pressure in United’s half.
However, Chelsea was repeatedly denied by an inspired performance from United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who produced a series of outstanding saves to keep the scoreline level. Her reflex stops and command of the penalty area proved crucial in frustrating the hosts during a dominant first-half display.
A Tight Second Half and Rising Tension
The second half became increasingly balanced, with United growing in confidence and beginning to pose a threat of their own. Jess Park struck the post with a powerful long-range effort, while Melvine Malard and Lisa Naalsund both tested Chelsea’s defensive organisation.
Despite the quality on show, the match remained goalless deep into the second period, with both teams trading blows in a contest defined by intensity, discipline and fine margins.
Kerr’s Impact and United’s Immediate Response
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute-and it came from the bench.
Substitute Sam Kerr made an immediate impact after being introduced, finishing clinically into the bottom corner. The move was beautifully constructed, with Ellie Carpenter’s curling cross met by a clever header across goal from Veerle Buurman, allowing Kerr to apply the decisive touch.
But Chelsea’s lead lasted just three minutes. United responded swiftly when Simi Awujo capitalised on a goalmouth scramble from a set-piece, bundling the ball home from close range to level the tie and force extra time.
A Special Return and a Defining Moment
As extra time began, the Kingsmeadow crowd rose to warmly welcome the return of Kadeisha Buchanan, back on the pitch after a long recovery from injury-a moment that reflected both the spirit of the squad and the unity within the group.
The decisive moment arrived in the first period of extra time. From a Chelsea corner, the ball broke loose inside the penalty area, and Naomi Girma reacted quickest, stabbing the ball over the line to score her first goal for the club-and the match-winner on the night.
Composure Under Pressure
United threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, piling pressure on Chelsea’s defence and committing players high up the pitch. The final minutes were tense, but the Blues defended with composure, organisation, and collective determination, making crucial clearances, and holding their shape under sustained pressure.
It was a performance defined not just by quality, but by mentality-a team effort that reflected the standards and identity of this Chelsea side.
Manager’s Reaction
Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor said:
“This competition is special for us, and I’m really pleased with the performance and the outcome Manchester United are a fantastic team, so it was always going to be close. I’m proud of the players-their mentality, their patience, and their belief. We want to go as far as possible in this cup”.
What It Means
Chelsea advance to the Women’s FA Cup quarterfinals, where they will face Tottenham Hotspur Women.
Beyond Progression in this competition, the victory provides a timely boost in confidence as the Blues continue their pursuit of silverware across multiple fronts-reinforcing belief, momentum and the collective spirit that defines champions.