Chiamaka Nnadozie delivered a commanding performance as Brighton & Hove Albion Women stunned Arsenal Women 2-0 in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, sealing a famous victory at Meadow Park.
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The Nigerian international was in inspired form between the sticks, keeping a clean sheet and producing three crucial saves to deny the Gunners, including a brilliant point-blank stop in the first half that proved pivotal to the outcome.
After a goalless opening period, Brighton broke the deadlock in the 48th minute through Madison Haley, who latched onto a precise through ball from Fran Kirby before finishing emphatically into the top corner.
Kirby turned provider again in the 63rd minute, delivering a pinpoint corner that was met by Caitlin Hayes, whose looping header doubled the Seagulls’ advantage and left Arsenal with a mountain to climb.
Despite introducing attacking reinforcements including Alessia Russo and Frida Maanum, Arsenal struggled to break down a well-organised Brighton defence marshalled by Nnadozie, who remained composed under pressure.
The defeat marks a disappointing FA Cup exit for the 14-time winners, who were unable to build on their recent UEFA Women’s Champions League success. Fatigue appeared to play a role, with several changes made to the starting lineup following their midweek European outing.
For Brighton, the result secures a place in the semi-finals for the fourth time in their history and keeps alive their dream of reaching a first-ever FA Cup final at Wembley.
Nnadozie’s standout display continues an impressive debut season in England, with the shot-stopper now playing a key role in Brighton’s push for silverware.
