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When football is more than a game: FIFA Unites and Afghan Women United

By Catherine MacKenzie (6/11/25)

Above: Afghan Women United huddle. Photo: FIFA.

Sometimes football is more than a game. There is a power in team sports that cannot be replicated elsewhere: it brings people together, and success only comes for the teams that work together as one. Football also has the power to make a statement: it transcends borders and languages, and can bring attention to important issues in ways that few other platforms can.

Whether it’s through protests on the field, powerful messages on the back of shirts, or players using their platforms to promote issues that are meaningful to them, football has a unique ability to spotlight global humanitatian issues on a large scale. Afghan Women United player Nilab Mohammadi has said that football is “not just a sport — it represents life and hope”.

Earlier this autumn, Impetus Football reported on the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series tournament ahead of its commencement in October. Whilst the tournament in that iteration did not go ahead due to the United Arab Emirates rejecting visas for the Afghan team, the games were instead played in Morocco, with the Tunisian national team taking the UAE’s place in the competition. They were joined by Chad and Libya to round out the tournament.

As we reported then, the aim of the tournament was to provide a platform: the Afghan Women United players aspire for FIFA to officially recognise them as Afghanistan’s national women’s team – which would enable them to compete in sanctioned international competitions. Chosen following three summer trials held in Australia and England, the players representing Afghan Women United came together quickly under the guidance of Scotland’s Pauline Hamill and South Africa’s Shilene Booysen.

More than a game: Afghan Women United

When Afghan Women took to the pitch on the 26th of October, the air felt heavy – and not just because of the dewy Moroccan weather. With Chad their opponents, the game marked the team’s first outing in four years – it meant far more than a normal game of football. It represented a statement of solidarity and fight against oppression; their footsteps on the grass something nobody took for granted.

“Everyone was telling me, ‘We won’t get it,'” defender Mursal Sadat told USA Today about their fight for an Afghan team. “But I said, ‘We will still fight this fight, because it’s not about us, it’s about all the women in our country. It’s about being a voice for them.”

Reflecting on the occasion, captain Fatima Haidari said there was “a real mix of emotions” among the team. “I cried because we are back after many years, after all the moments that we suffered out of Afghanistan, far from our families … but we are still here,” said Haidari. “We are fighting, and we had that spirit to be together and to strongly go ahead and just play the match.”

That opening moment on October 26th was followed swiftly by the tournament’s opening goal – an electric moment for Haidari and her team as striker Manozh Noori smashed a penalty calmly into the center of the net. Although Chad eventually ran out 6-1 winners, the jubilation of that moment was clear as the bench erupted with celebrations from players and staff.

**Above:** Manozh Noori celebrates scoring. **Photo:** FIFA.

This was followed by a 4-0 loss to Tunisia, before a resounding 7-0 victory against Libya that saw Nazia Ali and Nilab Mohammadi each score a brace. Although the tournament was about far more than football for the Afghan team, their performance against Libya was one to be proud of.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended their final match, commenting that the tournament would mark “the beginning of a beautiful, beautiful story that you are writing for yourselves, for your families, for so many girls and women all over the world.”

Chad set the standard

Following the round-robin, Chad emerged victorious, with three wins from three. They scored 23 goals whilst conceding only one, beating Libya 16-0, Afghan Women 6-1, and Tunisia 1-0 despite a red card on the hour mark. This means they will make a first appearance in the official world rankings, alongside Libya.

**Above:** Chad celebrate their win. **Photo:** FIFA.

Perhaps unlikely champions, Chad set a high standard beginning with the opening-day win over Afghan Women, though it was their final match against Tunisia that showed their mettle.

On paper, the 1-0 win is surprising: Tunisia are ranked 96th in the FIFA World Rankings, and participated in both the 2022 and 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Unranked, that Chad achieved the result whilst down to ten players for over half an hour was even more remarkable.

Next steps: progress and unity

Whenever a step like this is taken, there is a danger that those in positions of the power to enact change will see it as ‘job done’. If this happens – even temporarily – there is a serious chance that the developments made over the months leading up to the tournament will have been in vain.

Afghan activist and former player Khalida Popal has called on organising bodies to grant Afghan Women United recognition as a national team and an independent national soccer federation “to actually govern the teams, to make sure girls are not silenced.”

“Our players have been fighting for that right for so long,” Popal said. “Of course, there’s not governance in this initiative and the pilot, but we would love to have it in the future.”

For Afghan Women United, the experience of the tournament should only be the beginning; Hamill should now be handed the resources and the support to work with the team – and more Afghan players around the world. The process to begin identifying and mentoring younger Afghan girls abroad to build a pipeline of future talent will require resources and staff.

Regular training camps with a consistent set of players may be more difficult as they have sought refuge across the world, and it would take time and money to ensure everyone is in the same place. There are ways around this: hubs in more accessible locations, working with smaller groups of players at a time.

As Popal highlighted, the most significant development is institutional – for FIFA to grant official recognition, which can open pathways to future international fixtures. Afghan Women United and those behind them have done the hard work of gathering a team and making a stand – now it is time for the global football bodies to get behind them.

Full replays of the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series tournament are available on FIFA+.

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Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Gabby Hollar looking ahead to Brisbane match-up

Above: Head Coach Stephen Peters talking to the media. Image: Perth Glory.

By Ella McShane (5/11/25).

Perth Glory take on Brisbane Roar at the grandest soccer stage in the west this Friday, in a double header under the lights. Head coach Stephen Peters and Gabby Hollar preview what is bound to be an ambitious afternoon at HBF park, with everything to play for.

Each respective side carry an encouraging 3 points coming into round 2 of the Ninja A-League season, Stephen Peters commended the three points as a result of travelling well and putting “a few things in place that we were pretty happy with, and I think that laid the platform for us”. Peters subsequently commended his sides management of weather delays that were widespread across the league in its opening weekend.

Coming into the weekend, the side carry a renewed sense of belief having remained winless away from home since December 2023. Peters stating “I think that was probably the issue in why it went so long, that mentality piece, but I think this group we’re pretty switched on…I think we did everything right.”

The side face an undoubtedly quality Brisbane outfit, with the north east side carrying a viable attacking threat to the west’s defence. Peter’s expressed confidence in his side defence, expressing that; “it is going to be a tough ask for our defenders, no doubt. But I think if we show that resolve that we’ve had, there is no reason why we cant pose a threat to them”.

Glory intend on carrying a “quiet confidence” into Friday, reiterating that “it is one win and Brisbane are very good side and I think Alex [Smith] is going to have them ready to go and we’ve got to be ready for that”.

Tactically, the side are committed to “finding the balance early” with a relationship between adaptability and internal strength and mentality seeking, highlighted as key features in a prospectus night under the lights:

“You’ve got to make tactical adjustments given what the opposition is going to throw at you and the quality. But I think that we can’t go away too much from the principles that we’ve been working on and what we feel our strengths are. But you have to be wary of what they pose. It is a different style that they’re playing versus last season, we’ve also got to be ready that.” Stated Peters.

**Above:** Gabby Hollar speaking to the media. **Image:** Perth Glory.

Looking at the bigger picture, round two nurses a growing rivalry between the west and east, with points between the two sides having to be earned with grit in previous matches. Gabby Hollar reflected on the excitement with “how [Glory] got the three points last time [Roar] came here”. “But the game before, we all still have a bitter taste in our mouth about how that went. So it is just, can we capitalise on them coming here?”

The match kicks off at 16:00 AWST at HBF Park Perth/Boorloo available to stream on Paramount+.

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Vrouwen Eredivisie Week Six: The power of investment

By Jan-Kees Joosse (4/11/25)

Above: Feyenoord women celebrate their emphatic victory. Photo: FeyenoordV1 on X.

Following the October international break, the Netherlands’ top tier of women’s football continued. In round six of the Women’s Eredivisie, several top sides recorded convincing victories over clubs that continue to lag behind in investment. The growing contrast reflects both the progress at the top and the stagnation among the rest of the league.

ADO Den Haag 0-5 FC Twente

FC Twente Women have made it abundantly clear this season: they dominate the Eredivisie and look ready to make strides internationally. Averaging 3.66 goals per match and matching Ajax’s goal difference, the reigning champions once again showcased their attacking power. Against ADO Den Haag, they produced a commanding 0–5 victory — another display of pace, precision, and power.

It didn’t take long for Twente to set the tone. Alieke Tuin opened the scoring with a stunning 20-meter strike to make it 0–1. Moments later, Sophie Te Brake came close to doubling the lead, but keeper Barbara Lorsheyd made an excellent save. Lynn Groenewegen and Sophie Proost also had chances, while ADO just about managed to hold on.

**Above:** ADO Den Haag v FC Twente. **Photo:** Eric de Wit / ADO Den Haag.

At the other end, Diede Lemey had to intervene once against a shot from Anne van Egmond — a key save, as Jaimy Ravensbergen made it 0–2 shortly after with a brilliant solo effort, cutting inside and firing into the near corner. Just before halftime, Van der Vegt hit the crossbar, but Twente entered the break in full control.

After the interval, coach Corina Dekker made two substitutions — Danique van Ginkel and Charlotte Hulst — and the change paid off immediately. Within a minute, Van Ginkel scored with her first touch: 0–3. Twente kept pressing and extended their lead through another Tuin goal (0–4) and a late strike from Jill Roord, who had yet to score in the league this season, sealing a resounding 0–5 win.

With their fifth straight league victory, FC Twente reaffirm their status as title favorites. The team’s confidence, collective strength, and attacking balance make them a force both domestically and in Europe — exactly as Dekker envisions: a club whose name resonates internationally.

HERA United 0-5 Ajax

The Amsterdam city derby is back — but for now, it’s still Tom Thumb vs. Goliath. In the first-ever official meeting between Ajax and HERA United, the reigning champions wasted no time asserting dominance. After just 15 minutes, Ajax were 3–0 up, and the game was essentially over. HERA’s defending was shaky, and they had no answer for Ajax’s fluid, creative attacking play.

**Above:** Ajax celebrate. **Photo:** Ajax.nl.

After five minutes, Ilayah Dostmohamed opened the scoring, capitalizing on a defensive error. Soon after, Bo van Egmond doubled the lead from a Sherida Spitse cross, and two minutes later Jade van Hensbergen made it 3–0 with a precise strike off the inside of the post — her first official goal for Ajax. Amber Visscher then added a fourth before halftime with a thunderous shot from a rehearsed corner routine: 0–4 at the break.

The second half slowed down somewhat, but Ajax stayed in control. Twenty minutes from time, Dostmohamed was brought down by goalkeeper Kelly Steen, and captain Sherida Spitse converted the penalty to seal the 5–0 win.

The derby, for now, was more symbolic than competitive — Ajax showed class, HERA showed courage, but the gap remains enormous. Still, something promising has been reborn in Amsterdam: a city rivalry with potential, even if it’s currently one-way traffic.

PSV 2-0 AZ Alkmaar

For PSV, Sunday’s match at De Herdgang was a crucial test: could the Eindhoven side continue to beat the mid-table contenders and stay in the title race? The answer was a firm yes. Against AZ Women, Wouter de Vogel’s side won 2–0 in a match where efficiency made the difference.

**Above:** PSV v AZ in action. **Photo:** AZ.nl.

AZ started brightly and had a golden chance to take the lead through Desiree van Lunteren, but the experienced striker was denied by the keeper. PSV struck at the other end a few minutes later — Riola Xhemaili once again proving her worth as the team’s finisher, calmly slotting home for 1–0. The Swiss midfielder is fast becoming the key player in PSV’s title pursuit.

AZ continued to play well but couldn’t break through PSV’s solid defense. The home side were more clinical in front of goal and sealed the win in the second half when veteran Renate Jansen doubled the lead with a composed finish: 2–0.

The result confirmed that PSV can perform not only against direct rivals but also against strong mid-table teams like AZ. They remain firmly in the chase behind Twente and Ajax, ready to pounce if either of the leaders slip up.

Excelsior Rotterdam 2-4 FC Utrecht

FC Utrecht beat Excelsior 4–2 in a match that had many faces — and mixed emotions across the lines. Both teams were shaky in defense but dangerous going forward. Ultimately, Utrecht’s superior quality made the difference.

Lobke Loonen and Nikita Tromp are the driving forces in an otherwise youthful Utrecht side. Tromp stood out with two excellent goals to give Utrecht a 2–0 lead. That scoreline flattered the hosts somewhat, as Excelsior regularly created danger and exposed Utrecht’s fragile defense. Homan and Hendriks showed that Excelsior’s attack has improved significantly since last season.

**Above:** The battle between Utrecht and Excelsior. **Photo:** VrEredivisie on X.

In the second half, poor defending from Gera op den Kelder allowed Van Speijk to press high and score after rounding goalkeeper Bastiaen: 2–1. Utrecht responded quickly — in the 56th minute, after a clever move by Tromp, Van Straten provided the assist for Loonen to make it 3–1. Moments later, Loonen added another, lobbing the keeper with confidence after a perfect through ball from Tromp.

Utrecht kept pushing, and Tromp nearly completed her hat-trick after hitting both posts before the ball rolled harmlessly into the keeper’s hands. Hendriks scored the goal of the game late on, curling into the top corner after winning the ball herself: 4–2.

Excelsior can take confidence from their attacking display and should win more games playing this way. But for now, the chemistry between Tromp and Loonen sets Utrecht apart. If they want to challenge the top sides, though, their defending must improve — attack alone won’t be enough.

Feyenoord 6-1 SC Heerenveen

Feyenoord did their homework. They knew Heerenveen struggled with defending set pieces — and they exploited it perfectly at Varkenoord. All six of Feyenoord’s goals came from corners. That says it all: tactical awareness on one side, defensive chaos on the other.

The match itself wasn’t one-way traffic. Heerenveen started brightly, with Inessa Kaagman testing Jacintha Weimar inside two minutes. The visitors played well early on, combining neatly and creating chances through Kaagman and Elfi Maass, but their finishing let them down.

After ten minutes, Feyenoord struck from their first corner — Ella Van Kerkhoven headed in for 1–0. Heerenveen equalized through Kaagman, but before halftime, Akari Takeshige restored the lead — again from a corner.

**Above:** Feyenoord v SC Heerenveen. Photo: FeyenoordV1 on X.

The second half got worse for Heerenveen. Esmee de Graaf made it 3–1, and Celainy Obispo added two more, all from corners. In stoppage time, Mao Itamura completed the rout at 6–1.

Heerenveen showed flashes of good football, but until they fix their defending on set pieces, results like this will keep haunting them. One thing is clear: defensive work is urgently needed.

PEC Zwolle 4-0 NAC Breda

PEC Zwolle continue to be this season’s revelation. Despite injuries to youth internationals Schilder and Zuidberg, Joran Pot’s side are flying high, strengthening their grip on fifth place with a 4–0 win over NAC Breda — their biggest league victory since December 2023.

After a scrappy start, Ilvy Zijp broke the deadlock in the 14th minute with a crisp strike after fine work from Hanna Huizenga. NAC’s Brigitte Franken missed a good chance to equalize, while PEC began to dominate possession. Just before halftime, NAC hit the post through Franken, but Zwolle went into the break 1–0 ahead.

**Above:** PEC Zwolle v NAC Breda. **Photo:** NAC.nl.

NAC started the second half strongly, but PEC punished them on the counter. A quick transition down the left led to the 2–0, and soon after, Huizenga made it three with a composed finish. Late in the game, Judith Roosjen sealed the final score at 4–0.

With this victory, PEC Zwolle cement their reputation as the league’s biggest surprise package. The team plays brave, positive football and shows resilience despite setbacks. NAC, meanwhile, look increasingly in trouble and must fight hard to stay in the Eredivisie.

Follow Jan for news about Dutch women’s football at www.fcleeuwinnen.nl.

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Scotland’s McGovern on the scoresheet as Hibs defeat Partick

Hibernian 3-0 Partick Thistle

By Gethin Thurlow at Meadowbank for Impetus (2/11/25)

Above: Ellis Notley celebrates with Ciara Grant and Tiree Burchill Photo: @HibernianWomen on X

Fresh from her fourth straight start and second goal for Scotland in the international break, Melissa Andreatta’s favoured striker Kathleen McGovern scored a brilliant header as Hibs eventually overcame a strong Partick Thistle defence, with Ellis Notley starring for the reigning champions.

The Teams

After a week off, Hibs went for a fairly standard team, with the normal back line, Grant, Notley and Adams. Kirsty Morrison was given the start on right wing ahead of Livingstone, with Bowie and McGovern completing the lineup.

The visitors went unchanged from their last game, which meant Scottish hero Jo Love missed again through injury. Ex-Hibee Lia Tweedie and attacker Erin Rennie would carry the main goal threat for Partick.

The Action

It was an open game early on, with Thistle trying some direct balls and successfully getting in for the first couple chances. Hunter and Taylor are a centre back duo that can be exploited in behind, so the degree to which Grant Scott’s side sit with the entire team in the opposition half is often managed.

As is normally the case, Hibs focused their attacks down the wings, with the attacking-minded full backs offering some relief and overlapping runs. Jeni Currie was called into action early on, as Papadopoulos’s cross was met by Kirsty Morrison from the right side of the box. Currie got down to save that one, but when a corner was cleared out, Siobhan Hunter floated a challenging ball in, Grant and Currie came for it, made contact and the ball fell to Morrison who smashed it in.

In particular, the host were finding a lot of success down the left side, with Papadopoulos pushing high, meaning that while Slater was marking Bowie, the Australian left back had space to play with, and vice versa. Partick’s central back three headed just about every cross away, giving McGovern and Adams no sniff of a headed goal.

Hibernian continued to heave crosses into the box, with Caley Gibb miscuing a few efforts from the right-wing position. Ellis Notley also enjoyed the opportunity to take a few wide free kicks and corners, but Thistle’s defence stayed strong.

Something that did work for Hibs was limiting their opponents’ goal threat. The high press of Adams and McGovern, with the help of Grant and Notley gave Partick no out-ball, meaning they were suffocated before they could try and attack.

At half time, Hibs were well in control of game but only had a one goal lead – and a narrow lead that didn’t deserve to be bigger.

In the second half, Hibs clearly came out with a new plan. Moving through the middle and getting the ball to the feet of Kathleen McGovern and Eilidh Adams as much as possible. On one such occasion, Notley quickly rolled it across to the fan favourite ‘McGov’, but the training-ground routine could not fool Jeni Currie. She also dived to save a long shot from Adams as the Hibs shot count started to rise.

In a rare moment of Partick Thistle pressure in the second half, a slightly underhit back-pass from the Hibs defence gave Schumacher limited time to clear, and her clearance hit an oncoming Rachel Donaldson, bouncing up and allowing Robinson a free shot at goal. Saving the American keeper’s blushes, she scuffed it and Hibs stayed in the lead.

The home team still dominated the ball however, and David Elliot’s team could not muster another opportunity. The introductions of Burchill and Livingstone on the wings and Fitzerald in midfield forced Hibs to focus more on dribbling rather than playing long balls in behind.

As the end of the match approached, Ellis Notley had yet another corner. She picked out Kathleen McGovern at the front post, who flicked her header into the roof of the net to essentially guarantee the three points.

That extra goal seemed to relax Hibs and they played with much more freedom. Noa Schumacher absolutely launched a ball forward, which beat the defence and Rachel Boyle latched onto it. She found Adams with a through ball, who laid it off for Notley to lace it into to bottom corner from outside the box.

The final kick of the game was a free kick by Linzi Taylor, who curled her effort into the outside of the side netting – something which the home fans didn’t realise initially. Regardless, the whistle blew instantaneously.

Player of the Match Ellis Notley

**Above:** *Ellis Notley scoring a head v Hamilton earlier in the year* **Photo:** *@HibernianWomen on X*

She’s had to cover injuries in midfield and defence this year, but with Kirsten Reilly’s absence she has made that defensive midfielder role her own. Stepping into corner and free kick-taking duties, Notley has been racking up goals and assists recently. Today however, she was in control of the entire match.

In what was physical battle all game long, Notley held her own, winning the ball and protecting it from a hungry Partick midfield. Notley took up positions all over the pitch, dropping deep at points, as well as providing some width. She took all 13 corners and the majority of 19 free kicks too. Never earning too much attention for her performances in green and white, Notley has been a quiet hero of Hibs’ title push this year.

Where this leaves the teams

Grant Scott will be relatively satisfied with the result, although there is some concern to be had over the difficulty they faced trying to break down Partick in the face of a stout aerial defence. The goals did come in the end, and they really embraced the mantra ‘defending from the front’, which cut off any Partick Thistle resistance. They stay second in the league and ensure Glasgow City didn’t get any further away in their dominant 5-0 victory at the same time.

It was a rather spirited defensive effort from David Elliot’s squad in the face of a tough run. Currently sitting in ninth place in the league, Partick have been a step below the other competitors for that sixth place, and they will be disappointed with that fact.

This game was always going to be on where points were difficult to achieve, but with a solid back five and a dominant performance in the air, there are some building blocks for Thistle to push off of as they look for clean sheets and wins against other teams in and around them to avoid that ninth-place playoff.

Teams: HIBERNIAN (4-2-3-1): Schumacher, Gibb, L Taylor, Hunter, Papadopoulos, Notley (c), Grant, Morrison, Adams, Bowie, McGovern Substitutes: Fitzgerald (for Grant 63’), Livingstone (for Bowie 63’), Burchill (for Morrison 63’), Boyle (for Gibb 71’), Boughton (for McGovern 86’)

Scorers: 1-0 Morrison 11′, 2-0 McGovern 79′, 3-0 Notley 90+1′

PARTICK THISTLE (5-3-2): Currie, Slater, Fraser, Falconer (c), McCulloch, Handley, Donaldson, King, Robinson, Tweedie, Rennie Substitutes: English (for Robinson 86’), Syrjanen (for King 86’)

Referee: Blair McAlpine

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Everton snatch late point at Villa Park

Aston Villa 3-3 Everton

By Damion Arnold (2/11/25)

Above: Gago celebrating her first goal with Maz Pacheco. Photo: Everton Women on X.

Everton managed to gain a point against Aston Villa in match week seven of the WSL thanks to a late Kelly Gago injury time volley.

The visitors had to claw their way back into the game twice despite taking the early lead.

Gago opened the scoring early on and it seemed the first half was the Toffees, but Georgia Mullett grabbed an equaliser deep into injury time.

The second half saw Kirsty Hanson giving the Villans the lead before the hour mark, substitute Hikaru Kitagawa equalising with a stunning curling shot, an own goal and finally Gago’s second goal of the game.

The Action

Aston Villa’s coach Natalia Arroyo made five changes to her side that beat Bristol City 3-0, whilst Everton boss Brian Sørensen named three changes to his side that drew 1-1 against Nottingham Forest in the Women’s League Cup.

The visitors started the game at a faster tempo than the hosts as Everton dominated the opening exchanges.

Rosa van Gool had two early shots, threatening the Villa defense, but it was Gago who gave her side the lead in the 10th minute. Fernández laid the French international the ball inside the box and Gago struck the ball well from the left side of the box, finding the far-right bottom corner.

Everton continued to mount pressure on the women in claret, but they could not find that clinical touch again.

Aston Villa began to grow into the game as they had their first effort on goal in the 40th minute– a shot that flew over the bar from inside the box. They found the back of the net in the eighth minute of injury time with a cross from the right side of the box by Noelle Maritz finding Mullett at the back post.

Everton made a half time substitution involving Elise Stenevik, as she was replaced by Rion Ishikawa.

On the stroke of the hour mark, the hosts took the lead. Mullett was played through and she made a good pass to Kirsty Hanson inside the six-yard box. She did well to get a foot ahead of her marker and poke it into the bottom right corner.

Now with the lead, Villa made a double substitution. Maritz was replaced by Sarah Mayling whilst Hanson was replaced by Ebony Salmon.

Five minutes after conceding, Everton made a triple change as Yūka Momiki, Hayley Ladd and Kitagawa replaced Toni Payne, Honoka Hayashi and Mayumi Pacheco.

Sørensen’s substitutions paid off as Kitagawa made an instant impact. In the 70th minute, Fernández laid the ball off to Kitagawa just inside the box and the substitute struck the ball cleanly, finding the far right inside netting.

The hosts made their final change of the game as Rachel Daly replaced Miriael Taylor.

Villa’s third goal came in the 74th minute, just a minute after that last substitution as a short corner from the left side of the pitch found Salmon. She crossed the ball towards the front post, with Ruby Mace getting to the cross first, her clearance actually was sliced, and she found the back of her own net.

Everton was not dead and buried by the goal though, hitting the crossbar in the 85th minute.

Their persistence was finally rewarded as a bit of good fortune found Gago in the fourth minute of added time. A cross from Ornella Vignola found Gago in the centre of the box. An initial header from Gago was blocked well, but it fortunately fell back to her, and she volleyed the ball into the back of the net levelling the game for the third and final time.

TEAMS: Aston Villa: D’Angelo (GK), Patten, Kearns (Captain), Wilms, Maritz, Mullet, Hanson, Kendall, Deslandes, Taylor, 38 Maltby. SUBS: Roebuck (GK), Mayling, Daly, Salmon, Sallaway, Scott, Seymour

Scorers: Mullet 45+4’, Hanson 59’, Mace 74’ (OG)

Everton: Robinson (GK), Fernández, Hayashi, Wheeler (Captain), Gool, Payne, Gago, Vignola, Stenevik, Mace, Pacheco. SUBS: Startup (GK), Ishikawa, Hobson, Kitagawa, Ladd, Weir, Momiki, Jones

Goal Scorers: Gago 11’, 90+4’, Kitagawa 70’

Referee: Stacey Fullicks

Attendance: 2,678

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Ruthless Arsenal put Foxes aside to earn victory

Leicester City 1–4 Arsenal

By Tom Coopey (2/11/25)

Above: Arsenal celebrate their opening goal Photo: BBC Sport

Arsenal claimed three points against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in a comfortable 1-4 win for the visitors.

An assured victory from Arsenal saw them maintain their perfect record against Leicester and earn their third win on the bounce. It was a tough afternoon for Rick Passmoor’s side, being helpless against a relentless Arsenal.

The visitors wasted no time in getting started when Alessia Russo broke the deadlock in the 7th minute, before an own goal and a Stina Blackstenius strike before the break.

Leicester finally found the back of the net in the 84th minute thanks to a composed finish from Noémie Mouchon, but an immediate reply down the other end saw Blackstenius fire home to make it 1-4, meaning Arsenal would take the points back to North London.

The teams

Passmoor made four changes from the side that narrowly beat London City Lionesses 0-1 in the Subway Women’s League Cup, with Janina Leitzig returning between the sticks, whilst Julie Thibaud, Hannah Cain, and Shannon O’Brien also came back into the team. Missy Goodwin was named on the bench for the first time this season after being out through a long-term injury.

For the visiting Gunners, Renée Slegers also made four changes to the starting XI that were victorious over Benfica in the Women’s Champions League, with Laia Codina, Katie McCabe, Caitlin Foord and Blackstenius all entering the Arsenal side. Olivia Smith missed out on a place in the squad due to a bruised hip.

The action

As expected, Arsenal came out of the blocks in the opening few minutes and threatened an early opener, and the Gunners did just that via Russo. The 26-year-old pounced for the first time from the lay-off from Blackstenius in the box, firing into the bottom corner to make it 0-1 after just seven minutes on the clock.

Chances were few and far between for the home side, but Arsenal’s hard work was nearly undone when O’Brien closed down the goalkeeper, with the deflection off the Leicester striker fortunately not goal bound for Daphne van Domselaar.

Arsenal found the second in the 32nd minute when Sari Kees turned it into her own net. Russo latched onto a long ball on the right-hand side, and her teasing cross into the box saw Kees get the last touch.

Four minutes later and Arsenal found the third of the afternoon. It was a wonderfully crafted goal from the visitors, with slick football from the Gunners seeing Blackstenius finish the move. The Swedish striker got on the end of Beth Mead’s through ball, with her strike finding the near corner.

Passmoor made a triple change at the break; needing a better 45 minutes and Leicester were unlucky not to reduce the deficit. After some wonderful feet by the substitute, Mouchon, she only had the goalkeeper to beat but her effort was denied by Van Domselaar.

Arsenal remained the team in control in the second period, but Leicester would have been much more pleased with their second half display, and they did pull a goal back late on.

Mouchon raced through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and a cool finish from the Frenchman saw Leicester get on the scoresheet, yet was only a conciliation goal for the Foxes.

One minute later and Arsenal claimed back their three-goal advantage thanks to a superb finish by Blackstenius. Chloe Kelly sent the striker through on goal and a rocket of a strike into the roof of the net left Leitzig with no chance.

Player of the match – Stina Blackstenius

Blackstenius grabbed two goals for herself in what was an impressive performance from the Swedish international. They were both brilliant finishes with the one in the first half finding the near corner, and the second half strike fired into the back of the net.

Blackstenius and Russo up top together was a force to be reckoned with, the pair causing trouble for the Leicester defence all afternoon.

***Above:*** *Blackstenius celebrates her second goal. **Photo:** BBC Sport.*

Final thoughts

Leicester have been known this season to be a tough team to beat, their losses being narrow against the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, however Arsenal proved why they are the champions of Europe with an impressive display in the East-Midlands.

The three points for Slegers’ side means they retain their spot in fifth, but keeps them still within reach of their title ambitions. For the Foxes, they remain in 9th place, with results around them going their way.

TEAMS: LEICESTER CITY (3-4-1-2):Leitzig; Kees, Swaby, Thibaud; Cayman,Tierney, McLoughlin, Ale; Rantala; Cain, O’Brien. Substitutes: Eiríksdóttir (for Rantala 45’), van Egmond (for McLoughlin 45’), Mouchon (for O’Brien 45’) Ayane (for Cayman 61’)

Scorers: Mouchon 84’

Arsenal (4-4-2): van Domselaar; Codina, Hinds, Catley, McCabe; Mead, Mariona, Little, Foord; Blackstenius, Russo.Substitutes: Kelly (for Foord 59’), Fox (for McCabe 59’), Pelova (for Caldentey 59’) Nighswonger (for Hinds 74’) Reid (for Littler 88’)

Scorers: Russo 7’, Kees (OG) 32’, Blackstenius 36’, 85’

Attendance: TBC

Referee: Phoebe Cross

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Jets steal the points in last minute thriller

Canberra United 1-2 Newcastle Jets

by Alice de Koster-Kitto and Isabelle Campbell (2/11/25)

Above: India Breier (right) celebrates her late winner with Josie Allan. Photo: A-Leagues.

A goal from India Breier on the brink of the clock going into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes secured Newcastle Jets all three points from their trip to the nation’s capital.

It was a slow start to the afternoon match, with Canberra looking like the dominant side. The first real action came at the eighth minute, with a header from Michelle Heyman, which ultimately could not find the back of the net.

The home side took another chance when Sasha Grove made a decent run in the 11th minute, attempting to find Heyman, but could not complete the pass.

After a string of chances, Heyman opened the scoring in the 13th minute, after receiving a long through ball from Emma Robers, putting Canberra United in the lead. The strike brought the Canberra and Matildas legend’s tally against the Jets to 21 goals.

Newcastle looked to respond with a pass from Josie Allan to Lauren Allan, who took the shot that ultimately could not make it to the back of the net

Any further response from the Jets’ defence was quickly shut down by Sasha Grove, as she passed through the back line with ease, continuing to create and take opportunities, looking to further Canberra’s lead.

A close call for United second came from a long-distance header from Heyman, panicking the Jets’ defence, as the ball only narrowly missed the net.

As Newcastle tightened up its game, Canberra managed to keep its clean sheet, with some phenomenal saves from Sally James, as Melina Ayres and Lauren Allan continued their attempts on goal.

The equaliser came from Charlotte Lancaster, who knocked the ball in from close range.

As halftime approached, the Jets looked to take the lead, and they almost had it with a goal from Josie Allan; however, it was quickly called offside.

The 44th minute saw a great shot from Sasha Grove; however, a diving save from Anna Leat kept the scoreline even at halftime.

The Jets got dangerously close to taking the lead when a free kick from Emma Dundas was intercepted by Michelel Heyman, following a foul on Luren Allan by Darcey Malone.

In a moment of concern for Canberra, Michelle Heyman went down injured after a foul from Claudia Cicco in the 75th minute, which could have been argued as a penalty; however, ultimately, Heyman made her way back into play, and the penalty was not awarded.

As stoppage time approached, it looked as though the points would end up shared; however, India Brier scored a last-minute winner for Newcastle Jets, nine minutes after entering the pitch.

After six minutes of added time, Canberra could not find a response to even out the scoring, and the Jets took home the win in a 2-1 victory.

Canberra United will head across the ditch to face Wellington Phoenix at Sky Park next week, while the Jets have a bye week.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-2): James, Aulicino, Grove, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Taylor-Young, Malone, Bertolissio, Gordon, Sasaki, Heyman. Substitutes: Majstorovic, McKenzie, Wardlow, Hawkins, Bobbin, Briedis.

Scorer: Heyman 14′.

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-2-1): Leat, Wilson, Cicco, Prior, L.Allan, Lancaster, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Hoban, J.Allan, Ayres. Substitutes: Ritchie, Page, Breier, Karipidis, Adams, Brown.

Scorers: Lancaster 33′, Breier 89′.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: TBC.

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Mariners begin title defence with impressive win over Adelaide

Central Coast Mariners 3-0 Adelaide United

by Callum Logie (2/11/25)

Above: Peta Trimis celebrates opening the scoring against Adelaide United Photo: via Ninja A-Leagues

Central Coast Mariners began their defence of the A-League Women with a superb win over an Adelaide United side that many expect to challenge strongly this season.

An overcast afternoon at polytec Stadium in Gosford hosted the first intriguing matchup for the reigning title holders as they took on a determined Adelaide United side.

The question ahead of the game would be if the Adelaide United attack would be able to get through arguably the best keeper in the league, Sarah Langman, who boasted an excellent 78.9 save percentage last season. The Taranto twins would certainly be looking to link up and test the defence of Central Coast.

The teams started nervously in their opener, with some turnovers from each side starting off the game. Central Coast started with a high-energy, pressing attack while Adelaide were happy to sit back and play a bit more patiently, forward passes and creative energy initially being brought by Melissa Taranto.

The first meaningful attack was executed by Adelaide United, winning a corner after Matilda McNamara worked forward and tested the Mariners’ defence. Captain Taren King deflected away an Erin Healy header to prevent the scoring being opened for United.

Dylan Holmes won a corner for United at 15 minutes after some nice link-up play from Healy and Melissa Taranto. The Adelaide set pieces do look dangerous as a corner is almost taken directly into the goal by Emily Hodgson, but the following attempt saw Holmes direct a header wide.

Dylan Holmes found herself a chance on the edge of the box after a slick feed from Melissa Taranto, but directed her effort over the bar at 19 minutes. The balance of play certainly favoured Adelaide through the first ten minutes of the game, the midfield looking more positive and attacking. Dylan Holmes took a long-range shot at the 20-minute mark, which was again directed too high.

The Mariners responded in the 21^st minute with some positive play, Jynaya Dos Santos setting up Peta Trimis, who managed to win a corner. Unfortunately for the Mariners, Avani Prakash’s corner was effectively cleared away, and the attack fizzled out.

At 24 minutes, Emilia Makris won a corner after running down wide. Erin Healy got a header to the Emily Hodgson corner, but it was deflected behind, and the subsequent flag kick amounted to nothing despite a promising cross from Dylan Holmes.

The Mariners were outplayed in the midfield in the first 30 minutes, with only Avani Prakash managing to get meaningful touches in the middle third for Central Coast. Prakash instigated an attack at 26 minutes with a pass to Peta Trimis, who sent an exciting ball across goal, which Coco-Di Sipio was just a boot away from finishing against the run of play.

The Mariners then began working through Trimis, with the pacey winger creating another half chance, once again looking for Coco-Di Sipio and winning a corner for the defending champions. The Prakash corner landed awkwardly, with Taren King appealing for a penalty. This was not granted, and Claudia Jenkins collected and cleared for United.

The Mariners created a promising chance at 32 minutes, with more great setup play from Peta Trimis leading to a pass cut back to Jynaya Dos Santos who’s shot was deflected and cleared away. Trimis again created a chance for Coco-Di Sipio a moment later, but her running header was directed wide.

At 38 minutes, a great run forward from Avani Prakash put the Mariners in a dangerous position. Prakash was composed with her pass to Isabella Coco-Di Sipio, who drove a cross low to the edge of the six-yard box. Deservedly so, given her influence on the game, Peta Trimis finished clinically in front of goal to give the Mariners the lead heading into half-time.

When it rains, it pours, and after an attack from Adelaide United, Peta Trimis was released for a breakaway, beating Erin Healy for pace and sending a sharp ball across to Jynaya dos Santos, who did well to finish, stretching to connect to score from five-yards.

On the other side, Erin Healy drove a cross to the six-yard box, but Elizabeth Barwick-Gray prevented Adriana Taranto from pulling one back for United with a strong clearance.

The scoreline at the half did not reflect how evenly balanced the game truly was, but the Mariners were certainly more clinical with their chances as they headed into the second half.

The Mariners created the first chance of the second half, with Barwick-Grey sending a half-volley at the edge of the box over the bar.

Balance of play then directed toward Adelaide United, who dominated possession through the first 15 minutes of the second half, but were unable to create any significant chances against the solid Mariners’ defence.

The Mariners closed up shop and kept playing defensively, holding onto the ball when in possession, and organised defending when Adelaide were on the ball. United were trying to create through the left side of the field, with Emily Hodgson in particular trying to create during the second half.

The Mariners created a chance at 73 minutes when Trimis crossed over to an Isabel Gome free header at goal. Adelaide were able to clear the ball away, and a couple of moments later, Gomez directed a volley high and wide from the edge of the box.

Gomez was a spark plug off the bench for the Mariners, as a run forward from her lead to a shot from outside the box, which was narrowly off target. This territory and possession held by the Mariners firmed their hold on the game, controlling the pace as the game moved to a close.

Consistency is the key to progress, and through consistency and determination, Isabel Gomez extended the host’s lead to 3-0 with an excellently placed strike from just outside the box after a quick feed from Annalise Rasmussen. Prakash was integral to the set-up play, and the goal sealed the deal for the clinical champions in this one.

There was a penalty shout, with Healy hitting the ground after a clumsy Barwick-Grey tackle. It looked like a penalty at the time, but the referee called play-on as United tried to push for a consolation goal. A call missed, but otherwise a fairly solid game from referee Abbie Hendry.

In added time, Paige Zois sent in a well-directed cross from a free kick, which Erin Healy headed back across goal. The ball deflected off of Blake Hughes, but Langman proved capable of keeping a clean sheet.

Adelaide started the game well, but once they fell behind by two goals, they did not manage to get back into it, with the Mariners expertly controlling the rest of the game through the second half. Central Coast looks very dangerous with a mix of new players and returning veterans looking to go back-to-back.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (5-4-1): Langman, Clough, King, Kraszula, Barwick-Grey, Buchanan, Coco-Di Sipio, Quilligan, Prakash, Trimis, dos Santos. Substitutes: Fuller, Gomez, Grove, Hughes, Rasmussen, Thew.

Scorers: Trimis 39′, dos Santos 31′, Gomez 79′.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, Tonkin, McNamara, I. Hodgson, Taranto, Condon, Avery Holmes, Taranto, Healy, Makris. Substitutes: Melegh, Morgan, Murray, Rossi, Tolland, Zois.

Referee: Abbie Hendry.

Attendance: TBC.

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Roar Seal Season Opener with Late Winner

Brisbane Roar 3-2 Melbourne Victory

by Isabelle Campbell (1/11/25)

Above: Brisbane Roar celebrate as they got their season off to a perfect start despite tricky conditions. Photo: via Brisbane Roar

The opening round of the Ninja A-League season continues to no shortage of drama as Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory met at Spencer Park last night.

A lightning delay and a last-minute swap which saw Rosie Curtis step in for Grace Maher in the Victory starting XI before play finally got underway. With Victory having won 2-0 in their last encounter, Roar were determined to begin the new campaign on a stronger note.

The match kicked off at a lively pace, with Melbourne Victory on the front foot from the opening whistle. Before a minute had passed, the visitors had already forced a corner, setting the tone for an energetic start. Rachel Lowe had the first real chance of the match, latching onto a loose ball inside the area, but her effort was comfortably gathered by Roar goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln.

Victory’s new recruits looked sharp early, with Zoe McMeeken combining neatly with fellow debutant Kennedy White for another attempt on goal, though the shot drifted wide. White continued to threaten, soon drawing a full-stretch save from Lincoln as the Roar keeper kept her side level.

At the other end, Sharn Freier sparked Brisbane’s first promising attack, bursting down the pitch before laying the ball off to Ashlyn Miller, whose finish failed to trouble Courtney Newbon in the Victory goal. Moments later, a goalmouth scramble had Holly Furphy almost see the ball home for Victory, but Lincoln again held firm to deny her.

Brisbane’s best early chance came when Grace Kuilamu won possession and set up Freier, forcing Newbon into an awkward save with her leg. That pressure paid off soon after, as new Dutch signing Bente Jansen announced herself to the league in style, curling a superb strike into the top corner to put the Roar ahead.

Victory hit back swiftly when new signing Rhianna Pollicina produced a stunning equaliser, levelling the score with a composed finish. The visitors then turned the match on its head six minutes later, as White finally got the goal she had been chasing all half, giving Victory a 2-1 lead.

Despite two minutes of added time, neither side could add to the tally, and the visitors went into halftime holding the advantage after a thrilling opening 45 minutes.

The early stages resumed quietly, with neither side creating much until the 59th minute when Rachel Lowe again tested Chloe Lincoln, who dealt with the shot comfortably.

Brisbane soon found their rhythm, and it was a familiar face who made the difference. On her return to her hometown club, Freier produced a composed finish to draw the Roar level at two all, a moment met with loud applause from the Spencer Park crowd.

Soon after, Victory’s Sienna Techera made her A-League debut, entering the match just a day before her 19th birthday.

The Roar began to push forward, with Laura Pickett coming close from a corner, her strike narrowly missing the target.

Both goalkeepers were called upon as play opened up. Lincoln kept Brisbane steady at the back, while Courtney Newbon was forced into a diving save to deny Freier a second goal.

Victory nearly regained the lead through Alana Jančevski, who with her trademark long-range ability struck a low free kick from distance with her left foot, but the effort rolled just past the post.

The decisive moment came late in the half when Yallop, making an instant impact off the bench, rose highest to head the ball home and give the Roar a 3-2 advantage. With time winding down, the match was brought to a close shortly after as lightning in the area prompted an early end to proceedings, confirming Brisbane Roar’s opening-round win over Melbourne Victory.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-3): Lincoln, Varley, Medwin, Seidl, Kruger, Woods, Studer, Freier, Jansen, Miller, Kuilamu. Substitutes: Franco, Stephensen, Yallop, Meyers, Kinsella, Piazza.

Goals: 22’ Jansen, 64’ Freier, 86’ Yallop.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (3-5-2): Newbon, Morrison, Curtis, Pickett, Pollicina, Jančevski, Lowe, McMeeken, Sakalis, White, Furphy. Substitutes: Bunge, O’Keeffe, Techera, Young, Woodward.

Goals: 35’ Pollicina, 42’ White.

Referee: Izzy Cooper

Attendance: 1,245

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City rescue draw from jaws of defeat twice over

Sydney FC 2-2 Melbourne City

by Emma Burke (1/11/25)

Above: Leticia McKenna (dark uniform) and Sarah Hunter (light blue uniform) battle for the ball at Leichardt Oval yesterday. Photo: via A-Leagues

Melbourne City have come back from behind twice to rescue a draw against Sydney FC in the opening round of the Ninja Women’s A-League at Leichhardt Oval.

Both sides had new faces in their line ups, Sydney FC choosing to debut the yongest player in the league’s history in Willa Pearson, who is only 14 and 312 days old, as well as Sarah Hunter who returns to the club from a stint overseas with Paris FC. City started their new signing Aideen Keane who they brought in from Canberra United.

Sydney FC opened the scoring from a corner kick that looked to have come off the American import Madison Ayson given her celebration, but on later review was attributed as an own goal to Melbourne City’s captain Rebekah Stott.

City fought back to find an equaliser which came in the last minute of time added on at the end of the first half.

Leticia McKenna’s long ranged effort hit the underside of the bar before bouncing back out. Thankfully for City, Shelby McMahon was waiting in the wings to head the ball back across the line.

In the second half, the physicality turned up a notch, which culminated in a penalty being awarded to Sydney FC.

Mackenzie Hawkesby made use of all of her experience when Aideen Keane made contact with her in the box, leading referee Molly Godsell to point directly to the spot.

Hawkesby made no mistake and delivered her penalty kick to the bottom left corner, with City keeper Malena Mieres diving in the wrong direction.

Keane made up for her error later in the game saving the draw for City when she teamed up with Holly McNamara to score.

The one-two pass up between the two worked to free up Keane and have her slot the ball into the bottom right corner, right out of Tiahna Robertson’s reach.

The sides leave the game with a point a piece and will look to round two to find their first wins for the season.

Sydney FC will travel to Adelaide to play Adelaide United on Saturday 8th November at 4pm, while City will host Central Coast Mariners at home, also on Saturday with kick-off slated for 3pm.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Robertson, Tumeth, Ayson, Pearson, Fenton, Galic, Hunter, Hawkesby (Moise 86′), Cassar (Caspers 73′), Luchtmeijer (Ulkekul 58′), Tanner (Talon-Henniker 58′)

Scorers: Stott 20′ (OG), Hawkesby 62′ (pen)

MELBOURNE CITY FC (4-4-2): Mieres, Turner, Stott, Otto, Apostolakis , McMahon, McKenna (Butrus 87′), Hughes, Davidson (Uchendu 67′), McNamara, Keane

Scorers: McMahon 45+1′, Keane 74′

Referee: Molly Godsell

Attendance: 3,013

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