It was American international Kennedy White that stole the show at Wanderers Football Park, scoring a hat-trick to power Melbourne Victory to a 4-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, their first of the 2025/26 season.
While the home side were able to open the scoring early with a beautiful team goal that ended with Danika Matos putting the ball over the line, they were unable to fight back against the strength of Victory.
The visitors took their time to find their equaliser, with goalkeeper Courtney Newbon providing the assist. Striker Kennedy White was able to run onto her long pass, and slip free of her defender by pulling back, which allowed her the time and space to take a left-footed shot over Sham Khamis in goal.
White only took another six minutes to find her second goal for the afternoon, and the lead for her team, in the final minute of extra time in the first half, this time assisted by Rachel Lowe.
Following the half-time break, White picked up almost exactly where she left off, netting her third and final goal only minutes after play had restarted.
The Wanderers were able to wrestle back some control after White completed her hat-trick, and made a number of attempts on goal by players including Ella Buchanan, Ena Harada, and the Wanderers’ newest arrival from South Korea, Kim Soeun.
Unfortunately for the Wanderers, Victory were the ones to find the back of the net once again, making the most of a set piece that saw Zoe McMeeken, who joined the Navy Blues in the offseason from Wellington Phoenix, score her first for her new team.
Taking all the points, Victory jump to third on the table, and will head home to host Central Coast Mariners, in a replay of last season’s Grand Final game, while the Wanderers hit the road to face top of the table Brisbane Roar in Round Three.
Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (3-4-2-1): Khamis, Cerne, Hooks, Buchanan, Matos (Khoshaba 84’), Harada (Younis 63’), Chessari, Ng-Saad, Price (Fazzari 64’), Harrison (DeFazio 73’), Caspers (Soeun 64’).
Above: Victory celebrate last season. Image: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
By Isabelle Campbell & Alice de Koster-Kitto (8/11/25)
Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory will go head-to-head at Wanderers Football Park this Sunday, in the second round of the 2025/26 Ninja A-League season. Both teams will be looking to collect their first points of the campaign, as they each come off an opening round loss.
Victory began their 25/26 campaign with a narrow loss to Brisbane Roar despite producing an encouraging display, featuring debut goals from Rhianna Pollicina and Kennedy White.
Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said his team took plenty of positives from that performance and is intent on being more ruthless in key moments.
“I think the positive thing was that I thought we played very well for 70-75 minutes of the game. We were on top and probably not clinical enough in the periods that we did dominate.
“They were always dangerous, especially on the counter, and we didn’t handle those moments very well.
“So we’ve definitely highlighted those moments this week, but in general, I thought we were on top for big periods of the game. Our challenge this week is when we get on top of teams, we need to make sure that we just hammer home our advantage with goals on the scoreboard.”
The upcoming fixture will also be a milestone occasion for Hopkins, who is set to reach 200 matches as an A-League Women’s head coach, making him the first to do so.
Turning his attention to team matters, Hopkins confirmed a boost to the squad with midfielder Grace Maher cleared for selection, having missed the season opener.
“She is available. It was touch and go [last week]. She probably could have started the game, but whether she would finish it and made the injury more serious, it probably would have done.
“She’s a senior player. She knows her body pretty well, and we didn’t want to take any risk with her. We had a good substitute there, ready to come on in, Rosie Curtis.”
Victory will now look to build on the foundations of their Round 1 performance, with Hopkins confident that greater sharpness in front of goal and consistency across the full 90 minutes can deliver a winning result in Sydney and earn the Victory their first points of the campaign.
The Wanderers currently sit 10th on the table, following a 3-0 loss to Perth Glory, compared to Victory’s 8th, a disappointing start to their 2025/26 Ninja A-League campaign. Abrahams and the squad are taking the loss as an opportunity to grow and are confident they can put their best foot forward this Saturday, impressed with the overall performance, despite the result.
“You always want to play against the best,” said Abrahams, ahead of what is set to be a tough match for the Wanderers. Although historically, the match would be in favour of Victory, both sides are entering round 2 on a fairly even playing field, as they both come off losses, and with the Wanderers’ home advantage, the game could be anyone’s.
There have been a hoard of new faces in the Wanderers squad, including Korean international Kim Seoeun, whose signing was announced on Thursday.
“(She’s) an exciting player, she’s an attacking player, she’s got that low centre of gravity, she’s sharp, good 1v1,” said Abrahams on what he hoped the forward would bring to the side, adding “she’s been around the national team, and that’s her motivation for being here too.”
There were six debutants in last week’s match against Perth Glory last week, including Nikita Fazari, who had a HSC exam the morning of her debut, a testament to the wealth of fresh young talent in the squad.
“It makes it hard for me to pick a starting lineup each week,” said Abrahams on the number of players at his disposal, and the benefit it has being able to make relevant changes each week, adding, “having a large group of players in an environment where they’re testing each other every day and getting better.”
“They need experience with them as well, players like Amy Harrison and Oliva Price and Holly Caspers, they’re really important to those young players to just be around them every day and see how they work and how they carry themselves”
The added depth to the squad, including the likes of Poppie Hooks, Nikita Fazari, and Alana Cerne, could be exactly what the Wanderers need to improve their play going ahead and produce the results they are looking for, especially heading into a clash as contentious as the one ahead.
Melbourne Victory will travel to Wanderers Football Park to take on Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday 9th of November at 4 pm AEDT. The match will be streamed on 10Play and Paramount+.
Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby (left) and Dylan Holmes (right) battle it out.Photo: via A Leagues
For the first time ever in the almost 20 year history of the A League Women’s competition, Adelaide United and Sydney FC have played out a draw, with neither side able to find the back of the net this afternoon. After playing in at times windy conditions in Adelaide, it will be Sydney who will come away from the match happier of the two sides as Adelaide dominated attack for the majority of the match but just could not convert that dominance into any score.
Despite the visitors kicking off proceedings, it was Adelaide who had the first promising attack, with Erin Healy creating plenty of strong drive through the middle of the park.
For much of the first half, those in red could be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu from last week as Adelaide held the majority of possession and did the majority of the attacking, but just could not get a shot on target.
Adriana Taranto, Dylan Holmes and Carina Rossi provided a lot of attacking run, but Adelaide’s through balls just were not quite connecting, and combined with some strong defending from the likes of Tori Tumeth and Kirsty Fenton meant that only a tiny percentage of Adelaide’s shots were on target, and none of them went in the back of the net.
Sydney did have a couple of promising attacking plays, but the number was tiny in comparison to Adelaide’s. Amber Luchtmeijer impressed in attack for Sydney, trying hard to generate something for her side.
The windy conditions favoured the Reds in the first half, with a number of promising crosses from Emily Condon and later Holmes going within centimetres of scoring, but kept hitting the corssbar.
For much of the first half there was a feeling of despite Adelaide not registering too many shots on target, the Reds were doing so much attacking that it was a matter of when not if they would score.
However that did not come to reality in the first half, with both sides failing to score in the first half.
The second half started much like the first half had ended, with Adelaide again on the front foot early. The Reds had a really good opportunity within the first 15 seconds of the half when Healy found herself in ample space in the middle of the park, but ultimately could not get her header past Heather Hinz in the Sydney goal.
However Sydney was looking more promising in attack in the second half, deploying a higher press and as such was able to actually look threatening in attack.
Although the overall possession was still skewed from the first half, in reality the second half felt a lot more even possession wise than the first had been.
One of Sydney’s first substitutions of the match saw Caley Tallon-Henniker enter the match, and she did not waste time trying to give her side a spark, creating a lot of dangerous run on the right wing and generating plenty of crosses into dangerous areas.
The final stages of the match saw both sides going very close to scoring, but some unlucky bounces undid Sydney’s attacks and some strong some strong Sydney defending undid Adelaide’s, and in the end the half time score also turned into the full time score.
Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, I. Hodgson, McNamara, Murray, Tonkin, M Taranto, Holmes, Healy, A Taranto, Condon, Rossi. Substitutes: E. Hodgson, Makris, Zois, Dawber, Worts, Melegh.
Above: Holly McNamara (far left) celebrates after scoring against the Central Coast Mariners.Photo: via A Leagues
Melbourne City have taken the points at ctrl:cyber Pitch this afternoon, in a heavyweight clash against Central Coast Mariners. The last time the reigning champions faced City was in a heated semi-final, where the Mariners beat the previously undefeated premiers to the grand final in a 1-0 defeat, causing the biggest upset of the season.
Melbourne City look to take home their first win of the season, as they came on to the pitch with full force, with something to prove, taking the first touches and holding the ball in the opening minutes.
The possession stayed fairly even across the pitch at the start, with Melbourne City slightly dominating; however, the Mariners did not make it easy for the hosts to cut through.
In an early opportunity, Malena Mires sent a dangerous ball to Taylor Otto, which looked like it may open the scoreline in favour of City, before Isabella Coco-Di Sipio snuck in behind and made a block before anything could come of the link-up.
A long-distance launch from Coco-Di Sipio almost saw the opening goal from the Mariners, which fell extremely close, but ultimately outside the net. The attempt lit a fire under the Mariners, as they immediately took more control of the ball.
Melbourne City got their first chance when Leticia McKenna took a free kick in a dangerous area, but it was headed away by Elizabeth Barwick-Grey.
Avaani Prakash has been impressive in her time so far with Mariners – remaining a standout this match following an excellent debut last week – as she made a number of blocks to hold off Melbourne City’s dangerous attack.
Aideen Keane took her chance in a challenge with keeper Sarah Langman, just one of many opportunities created by the 23-year-old, who has had an outstanding start to her Melbourne City campaign.
There was a lot of action and near misses on both sides, with excellent chances from Aideen Keane and Peta Trimis; however, the defensive line at both ends was too strong for either to break through, That was until the scoring was opened by Holly McNamara in the 32nd minute, as the golden boot winner netted her first goal of the season.
Alexia Apostolakis sent the ball deep from a corner, with a first attempt from Rebekah Stott being blocked by a sea of yellow shirts. When the ball hit McNamaras’ feet among the chaos, it was bound to reach the back of the net.
Keane looked to extend City’s lead with a shot from just outside the box; however, the angle was slightly too tight to cause any real danger for Langman.
As the first half was coming to a close, Langman made an excellent save after McNamara sent the ball to Laura Hughes, in what could have been City’s second goal of the afternoon.
During the one minute of stoppage time, Shelby McMahon sent the ball to the back of the net, assisted by McNamara, as Melbourne City takes the lead 2-0 at the break.
There was drama early in the second half, as Leticia McKenna took a knock just a minute into play. She quickly recovered and took a free kick, which was ultimately blocked.
A few good passes put the Mariners back in contention, however a loss of footing across the pitch – likely due to the wet weather – meant no real opportunities could be made as they attempted to gain dominance over City.
Central Coast did manage to hold the possession for a period of time, as City was unable to intercept the smooth passes of Prakash and Peta Trimis’s footwork.
McNamara made a dangerous run towards the box, but was taken down in the penalty area by Baxter Thew, and awarded a free kick, which awarded Melbourne City a third goal of the meeting, as the ball flew past Langman to the back of the net.
McNamara quickly went in for a hat-trick, with an extremely close shot outside the box, that was saved by Langman, on the keeper’s 100th A-League appearance.
The Mariners made a number of changes in an attempt to respond to City’s lead, with Blake Hughes, Annalise Rassmussen, and Tamar Levin coming into the action.
An excellent cross from Trimis was almost dangerous for City, until it was headed away by Otto.
The 65th minute saw McNamara make way for Deven Jackson after the brace scorer showed some discomfort in her knee.
McMahon took her second goal of the match, and third of the season, flying past the Mariners’ defence, booting the ball to the back of the net, leaving Melbourne City in an even further lead as stoppage time approached.
A late attempt from Rassmussen gave the Mariners a dangerous opportunity to get a goal back, however the ball just bounced off the post and the scoreline remained intact.
Although the Mariners fought hard in the final minutes of play, desperately looking for a response, Melbourne City’s defence shut down any opportunities the visitors managed to create, taking a 4-0 win at home.
The win is not only one of great satisfaction following last season’s major upset, but it is also a historic one, as it marks the first time Melbourne City have ever beaten the Mariners.
Above: Marisa van der Meer taking a shot for Wellington Phoenix Photo: via Wellington Phoenix
Wellington’s new coach Bev Priestman was looking to get her team off to a flying start in what’s already been an exciting opening to the season. But the Phoenix were met by a very determined Canberra United team who made life difficult for the hosts, looking to bounce back from a defeat.
The game started tentatively, with not much of a chance coming until the fourth minute when Canberra United won a free kick just outside the box. Nanako Sasaki took the free kick and drove a shot directly at goal, but it was too high to trouble Victoria Esson in goal.
At six minutes, Wellington created a great chance with Grace Jale driving a shot at goal from just inside the box. Sally James proved worthy of the effort and was able to keep the game scoreless. Jale was the best creator for the Phoenix through the first 15 minutes.
Canberra United enjoyed the majority of possession and positive territory in the first 10 minutes, but they were not yet able to create another meaningful chance since the Sasaki free kick.
At 12 minutes, Canberra United gave the ball away after some eager pressure applied from Sabitra Bhandari won her a one on one opportunity against James. Bhandari struck early but the effort was not too powerful and allowed James to steer it behind for a corner. The subsequent corner created another opportunity for Bhandari but the leg of her own team mate Grace Jale was not enough to direct the effort on target.
Wellington played a much faster and more positive pace when they were in possession, cheered on by their crowd and assisted by relentless pressing from the Phoenix forwards and midfielders. Canberra on the other hand played a high line to try and keep control of field position in the first half.
A break down the left side of the field from a Michelle Heyman hold up led to a determined Josie Aulicino picking up possession after a battle with the Wellington defence. Aulicino’s cross was driven in and actually managed to thread the needle between defender and keeper, opening the scoring. Aulicino’s first goal of the season gave Canberra an unlikely lead after absorbing a lot of pressure from Wellington.
The Phoenix created one or two half-chances through the middle period of the first half but were unable to get a shot on goal due to solid defensive effort from Hayley Taylor-Young and the rest of the Canberra defence. James also showed great awareness in her sweeping efforts if a ball was ever played or deflected behind.
The Phoenix’s offensive opportunities were often created by the talented Alyssa Whinham who was constantly sending in crosses or cutting inside herself to keep Wellington on the front foot while they tried to equalise against a stalwart Canberra side.
An in swinging corner from Lara Wall at the 39 minute mark tested James at the near post, with the ball being deflected off of the keeper and Bethany Gordon defending at the near post. The rebound fell to Marisa van der Meer on the volley and she was able to drill the ball over the goal line for the equaliser.
An added time corner at the end of the first half from Canberra almost led to a goal, with an Emma Robers header bringing out the very best from Victoria Esson who made the save to her left and kept the game even at half-time.
Considering the run of play from about 15 minutes in, Wellington will have felt a little hard done by going into half-time only even, but Canberra was well organised defensively, and looked dangerous, particularly when Aulicino and Kiara De Domizio were on the ball.
A long range effort began the second-half for Canberra with De Domizio trying out a half volley from 30 yards out. The wind in the stadium almost led to the ball dipping into Esson’s goal but it ended up being too high to be on target.
Canberra created another chance soon after, with Bethany Gordon running forward and firing a shot on goal from just outside the box. Esson was well-positioned and collected the ball at the first time of asking.
Bhandari was showing her superstar pedigree when Wellington got forward, driving two dangerous crosses into the Canberra United box in the 53rd and 54th minutes, but there was no recipient to either delivery and Canberra kept the score at 1-1 after 10 minutes of the second half.
In the 62nd minute, Wellington Phoenix created the best chance of the half after Alyssa Whinham weighted a delicate through ball to Samba who took an early shot on goal. Unfortunately for the Phoenix, the shot itself was somewhat tame and James was able to collect.
At 71 minutes, Bhandari worked some magic to loop in a floating cross to the back post after showing great strength and skill to hold onto the possession. Manaia Elliott was unable to direct the resulting header at goal, but the Phoenix continued pushing to take the lead.
Gordon won a free kick for Canberra United in a dangerous position and the strike from the Ava Briedis free-kick forced a good save out of Esson. The subsequent corner led to some more trouble for Wellington as a low cross nearly found its way toward Esson’s near post. The keeper was able to clear the line again and the attack eventually faded into nothing for Canberra United.
Neither team looked content to settle for a draw as the game entered its last 10 minutes. Heyman finally got a chance with a free header at the far post, but her effort was driven straight into the waiting hands of Esson, who played very well during this period of Canberra attack.
Emma Main took a stretching shot after a Phoenix counter-attack, but was unable to get enough power behind the strike to test James in the 85th minute. Both keepers proved very capable throughout this match-up.
This action packed game went down to the wire, and showed why both teams feel that they’ve improved heading into this season. Some of the last few touches or shots were a little below the standard the teams would have expected but provided a promising platform to go forward as the spoils were shared.
When Aston Villa head to Manchester ahead of Saturday’s duel with Manchester United, it will be with a point to prove. The Villains have been a force to be reckoned with at times this season – such as in the strong draw away at the Emirates – but have also disappointed on occasion, such as last week’s late concession that allowed Everton to rescue a draw.
For their part, United are still unbeaten in the league. Despite an uncharacteristically sloppy defensive performance last time out against Brighton, the Red Devils are on good form, scoring 10 goals in their last five WSL games. Impetus Football’sCatherine MacKenzie heard from Villa head coach Natalia Arroyo ahead of the game.
Dealing with United’s high press
United have won plaudits for their ability to press their opponent, giving them no space to breathe and forcibly taking possession in dangerous areas. Arroyo indicated that her team are aware of this, highlighting the importance of United’s physicality.
“Man United were one of the best teams out of possession last year. They are so aggressive in their high press. They are so physical and they are so committed. In the hard work, they don’t want to stay defending lots of periods of the time and they are so aggressive to win the ball back,” she said, stressing that attacking United will be hard to do.
Villa may look to set pieces as their main outlet, focusing on an area where they’ve already found success this season rather than trying to outpress United.
“I think the key thing inside this is to have a good takers and to read the positions and to have good players in the box – and we are finding goals and that’s good,” she said, noting that “we knew that was definitely a part that that we were not very good at last year, so we worked as many things as possible and in this case we are being successful with it”.
The ability to win the ball back deep into the opposition’s half means United are disciplined and physical off the ball – which Arroyo admires, likening it to how she likes her own teams to play.
“I really admire the way Man United are playing out of possession, and of course, in possession. But the out of possession was one of the teams that were closer to my idea. It’s not that I’m copying them, but definitely I admire the work that Marc and his players are doing.”
Learning from Everton
Villa’s last game included a last-minute equaliser from Everton. Arroyo fielded a young team against the blues, and has won plaudits for giving opportunities to young players. Lucia Kendall is a prime example, starting four of five WSL games and putting in performances that meant she received her first call up to the senior England team. She followed that up with her first start and a player-of-the-match performance against Australia.
Her club manager is aware that moments like that last minute equaliser will come as her young players continue to adjust to the level of the league, concluding that focusing on progress rather than disappointment is key.
“It was a normal week focusing on on the different lessons that we can take from Everton, with our full attention on some actions especially at the beginning,” she said, referencing the early moments in the game that saw Everton take the lead. She continued, “we were too passive maybe and we were like too basic in possession. So we were talking about that and about our performance to try to to show that it was just an accident.”
Dealing with United’s threats
Villa’s last competitive game against United was in March 2025 and saw United dominant. They were three goals to the good before half-time, and Villa struggled to escape their own half until the end of the game. Arroyo suggested this game is playing on her mind as they approach United again, particularly their tendency to start the game with a high tempo.
“When Man United visited Villa Park I was already here. They destroyed us in the first half. I know that can happen because they are so strong,” she said, remarking that “we need to not give them the chance to destroy us as they did then.”
Although the Everton result was disappointing, Villa have taken confidence from two good performances against top four-sides Chelsea and Arsenal, who they held to a 1-1 draw away from home.
“It’s just if we can be like closer to the version that we showed against Chelsea, Arsenal to pick, like, maybe two good examples, that’s them. That’s the ambition, that’s the bravery that we, that we want and to be ready for everything.”
England duo Jess Park and Ella Toone have been in electrifying form this season. Toone’s physicality and Park’s ability to play through small pockets of space have given United much more creativity going forward. Asked how she plans to disrupt the duo, Arroyo was coy, focusing on the threats United pose as an eleven.
“I remember Villa Park, they destroyed us with wide combinations, they can do that. And then, with the addition of [Fridolina] Rolfö, and [Melvine] Malard can play on a wide channel, just going in to create an overload in the middle. That’s a strong thing.
And I think they, they have grown in my opinion. They they are just adding pages and slides to their game model and how they play centrally is also really strong.
It’s just it’s reducing the volume of success of their combinations because yeah, they built a good relationship. They play in short distances. They connect quick passes, and you’re out. So we need to be smarter, be a little bit more solid and use everybody to defend better.”
Although Villa want to surprise United, Arroyo is aware of the need for clarity and consistency, particularly with a young squad.
“The key thing is that in your search of being unpredictable, you are not unpredictable to yourself”
Manchester United v Aston Villa kicks off on Saturday 8th November at 12:00 noon UK time. It will be broadcast on Sky Sports+ in the UK and the WSL Youtube elsewhere in the world.
Above: Bente Jansen (centre) celebrates with her Brisbane Roar team mates after scoring one of her two goals against Perth Glory. Photo: via A Leagues
Bente Jansen’s brace helped Brisbane Roar edge Perth Glory 3-2 in a thrilling Round 2 opener at HBF Park. Despite a late goal from Ella Lincoln, the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser as Brisbane held on to all three points.
The game began at a steady tempo, with both teams looking to establish control but neither creating any clear early chances. Brisbane Roar struck first in the 20th minute through Grace Kuilamu, whose effort from just outside the box took a deflection off Onyinyechi Zogg and slipped past Perth goalkeeper Alyssa Dall’Oste to give the visitors the lead.
Perth Glory’s response was almost immediate. Rola Badawiya, full of confidence after scoring in Round 1, brought her tally to two goals in as many games with a superb curling strike that found the top corner, drawing the hosts level.
The equaliser lifted the tempo as Perth began to grow into the game. Tijan McKenna delivered a dangerous ball across goal to Emma Tovar, who narrowly missed with her attempt, while Gabby Hollar continued to test the Roar defence with powerful efforts from distance. Hollar looked especially lively late in the half, bringing about a couple of half-chances as Glory pressed for a second.
Despite a promising spell of pressure from the home side, neither team managed to get ahead before the whistle. The opening 45 minutes ended with the scoreline locked at 1-1, a fair reflection of a tightly contested first half that promised plenty more action to come after the break.
It was Brisbane who struck first in the second half.
In the 51st minute, Dutch youth international Bente Jansen continued her fine start to life in the Ninja A-League, scoring her second goal in as many games. Sharn Freier provided the assist, the pair combining neatly in what is fast becoming a dangerous attacking partnership for the Roar.
Just two minutes later, Jansen doubled her tally and extended Brisbane’s lead to 3-1 in a moment of horror for the Glory defence. A loose ball rolled agonisingly across the line after a scramble in the box, leaving goalkeeper Dall’Oste unable to intervene. Freier nearly added a fourth soon after but sent her effort just wide of the right post.
Perth refused to fold though, and looked to claw their way back into the contest. Rola Badawiya came close amid a goalmouth scramble, only for Marianna Seidl to clear with a clean header, while Brisbane survived a series of dangerous corners in the final stages.
The Glory pressed hard in the dying minutes, with captain Izzy Dalton driving forward to create one of their best second-half chances, only to be denied by the Roar defence. Brisbane appeared intent on managing the clock, but Perth’s persistence finally paid off in the 92nd minute when Ella Lincoln produced a brilliant solo run to slot home her second A-League goal, reducing the deficit to 2-3 and setting the game up for a tense finish.
Zogg came close to equalising moments later but sent her effort just wide, and Susan Phonsongkham had the final chance of the game, though her shot lacked the power to trouble Chloe Lincoln in goal. Despite a late surge from the home side, the visitors held firm to secure a hard-fought victory.
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.
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+.
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+.
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.
impetusfootball.org 