Chiamaka Nnadozie turned in a commanding display in goal as Brighton knocked Arsenal out of the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, keeping a clean sheet and making three crucial saves to send the Gunners packing, Footynaija.com reports.
Arsenal came into the tie with momentum, having reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals in midweek with a 3-2 aggregate win over Chelsea. Brighton, however, were not overawed.
The Seagulls started strongly, with Jelena Cankovic seeing an early effort saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar before two further attempts were scrambled to safety from a corner.
Nnadozie’s moment came when Arsenal began to find their rhythm.
Mariona Caldentey tested her with Brighton’s first meaningful test, which the Nigerian dealt with comfortably. The more demanding save came when Smilla Holmberg met Chloe Kelly’s cross and Nnadozie denied her from point-blank range.
She then kept out Laia Codina late on as Arsenal pushed desperately for a goal that would not come.
Brighton took the lead through a goal from Haley, who thundered a fine effort into the top corner after the Gunners failed to deal with the Seagulls’ attacking play.
Arsenal, despite their attacking quality, could not find a way through a Brighton side well-organised and well-protected by their goalkeeper.
For Nnadozie, the result is a significant milestone. In her first season in English football since joining Brighton, she has now helped the club reach their first Women’s FA Cup semi-final, a remarkable achievement for both player and club.
The Super Falcons number 1 has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the WSL this season, and Sunday’s display against one of the continent’s top sides only added to that reputation.
