Super Falcons midfielder, Christy Ucheibe, scores the winning penalty as Benfica beat Braga to reach the final of the Portuguese Women’s Super Cup.
Ucheibe played a crucial role for her side Benfica as they defeated Sporting Braga Women on penalties after they were fought to a 3-3 draw in regulation time.
Ucheibe sealed the victory for her side with the decisive penalty, propelling them into the final of the Super Cup. Nigerian star Peace Efih featured for Braga in the encounter.
Despite both teams’ commendable efforts, reigning Campeonato Nacional Feminino champions, Benfica, maintained a slight edge throughout the match, asserting dominance in both possession and shots statistics.
Nevertheless, their defensive line struggled to contain sporadic offensive thrusts from their opponents, resulting in an equitable stalemate after regulation time.
With the scoreline remaining level, the game proceeded directly to a penalty shootout. Benfica held their nerve, securing a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
The spotlight shone brightly on Ucheibe as she coolly netted the final and ultimately winning penalty for her team, cementing their place in the Super Cup final.
In the championship clash, Benfica will lock horns with the victor of the second semifinal contest between Famalicão and Sporting CP.
Ucheibe, instrumental in Benfica’s journey to the final, will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to vie for the coveted trophy, potentially assuaging the disappointment of her 2023 World Cup campaign with the Nigerian national team.
During the just-concluded FIFA Women World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, Ucheibe put up star performer for the Super Falcons, contributing significantly to their advancement to the knockout round.
Ucheibe’s impressive performances earned her recognition as one of Nigeria’s finest players in the tournament.