Manchester City’s Dramatic Comeback Secures FA Cup Final Spot
Manchester City delivered a stunning late comeback to defeat Chelsea 3-2 and advance to the Women’s FA Cup final. The match, played at Stamford Bridge, saw Mary Fowler score the crucial goal that sparked the turnaround, marking a memorable moment for the club.
Chelsea started strongly with Erin Cuthbert scoring early in the game. The Blues extended their lead when Matildas captain Sam Kerr netted a second goal just before the hour mark. This put the hosts in a commanding position, especially considering the low attendance of 7,773 at the stadium.
Kerr had several chances to add to her tally, but her efforts were denied by questionable decisions from the referee. One goal was disallowed after the official mistakenly ruled it out of play, while another was waved off for offside. Despite these setbacks, Chelsea maintained control for the majority of the match, appearing to be on course for a comfortable victory.
However, Manchester City had other plans. In the 86th minute, Mary Fowler, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes as a substitute, scored a powerful left-footed shot from 20 yards out. This was her first goal for City since February 2025, injecting new hope into the team.
Khadija Shaw then took charge, equalizing with a stunning volley in added time. She followed up with a header from Yui Hasegawa’s cross in extra time, sealing the dramatic win for Manchester City.
This result means that Sam Kerr, despite her impressive record of 19 goals in 17 FA Cup matches, may not have a chance to secure a Wembley swansong if she moves to the NWSL with Denver next season.
Brighton’s Journey to the Final
The Women’s FA Cup final will see Manchester City face Brighton and Hove Albion, led by former Socceroo Dario Vidošić. Vidošić is making history as the first Australian manager to reach the final, following a remarkable comeback by Brighton against Liverpool.
Brighton faced a tough challenge, coming from 2-0 down after just 22 minutes. They eventually prevailed with a stoppage-time goal from Nadine Noordam, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes. This victory showcased the resilience and determination of the team under Vidošić’s guidance.
Liverpool had seemed poised for a Wembley showdown after first-half goals from Denise O’Sullivan and Beata Olsson. However, Brighton fought back through Manuela Vanegas and Madison Haley before Noordam’s decisive strike in the 95th minute.
Vidošić, who previously led Melbourne City to A-League Women’s success, has taken Brighton to new heights. Last season, they achieved a record fifth-place finish in the Women’s Super League. Additionally, they defeated both reigning champions Manchester City and European champions Arsenal in recent competitions.
Vidošić’s Vision for the Future
Speaking about the achievement, Vidošić expressed his pride in the team’s performance. “It is a nice feeling when almost the last kick of the game hits the back of the net and sends us to Wembley,” he said. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment and continuing to improve.
“We want to continuously get better, and we want to go undefeated for the rest of the season,” Vidošić added. His leadership has already made a significant impact on Brighton, and the team is now one step closer to achieving its ultimate goal.
