Technically and tactically better, Sydney FC stormed to another win after defeating FC Nasaf in their second game of the AFC Women’s Club Championship.
Fiona Worts added to her tally with another brace to oversee the Uzbekistan champions.
FC Nasaf 1 (Nilufar 90′) def. by Sydney FC 2 (Worts 34’, 58’)
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
11’ – TALLON-HENNIKER DENIED – The teenager flashes a shot at goal but it is saved and gathered at the second attempt by the keeper.
22’ – WHYMAN’S FINGER TIP SAVE– Sydney FC keeper Jada Whyman denies FC Nasaf with a brilliant stretching save.
27’ – TALLON-HENNIKER DENIED AGAIN – Caley Tallon-Henniker sees her effort cleared off the line with the keeper stranded.
34’ – WORTS GIVES SYDNEY FC THE LEAD – Worts continues her impressive form in the tournament by scoring from a Taylor Ray through ball.
42’ – WORTS IS DENIED BY THE POST – Worts torments FC Nasaf defence further, however her shot hits the post.
58’ – WORTS DOUBLES THE LEAD – Fiona Worts latches onto a loose ball in the box and knocks it in off the post.
85’ – WORTS DENIED HAT-TRICK – Worts run and strike denied by Nasaf keeper for third goal of evening.
90’ – FC NASAF SCORE LATE CONSOLATION – The Uzbeks score a late goal from range through Kudratova Nilufar.
What They Said: Ante Juric: “That was a difficult game, very tactical but we are very happy to make some good goals.
“We probably should have scored more as we missed a lot of chances but they made us push and they are a very good team.
“It is do or die [the third match against Hyundai Steel Red Angels FC] and we need to win to go through, but we are happy to put ourselves in the position to still be alive in this last game.”
Match Report:
An impressive Sydney FC performance in the clubs’ second game in the AFC Women’s Club Championship, sees them take command of Group B after defeating FC Nasaf at Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium.
After a Sky Blue dominant opening stanza, technical difficulties caused by the stadium’s flood lights gave the hosts a route back into the game and upon restarting, the contest was very end to end.
Teenager Caley Tallon-Henniker in her first start was denied not once, but twice with her best chance being cleared off the line by the Nasaf defender.
It didn’t take long however for Fiona Worts to continue her scoring form, running onto a Taylor Ray through ball, slotting it under the on-rushing keeper to give Sydney FC the lead.
While Jada Whyman was preventig them at the other end with some stunning saves, Fiona Worts almost had a double before the break, only to be denied by the up-right..
Into the second half and with chances at a premium, Ante Juric turned to his bench and introduced Priness Ibini and Shay Hollman to sure up the midfield.
It didn’t take long for Princess to get involved, running past players and was involved in Worts’ second. After Ibini’s run, the ball fell to Worts with her back to goal. The Englishwoman turned and slotted the ball into the corner off the post to notch her fourth of the tournamet.
As the game wore on, chances were at a oremium and with tired bodies on the pitch, FC Nasaf took full advatage and nicked a late consolation. Princess Ibini dallied in midfield and was robbed by captain NNilufar who unleashed a long range effort that flew into the top corner with Jada Whyman no chance.
The Sky Blues saw out a nervy final few minutes to find themselves at the top of Group B, heading into the final group match against Hyundai Steel Red Angels on Sunday evening. A draw against the Koreans would be enough for them to qualify for the final which will be held at a later date.
Sydney FC: 1. Jada WHYMAN (GK), 3. Charlotte MCLEAN, 4. Tori TUMETH, 6. Lucy JOHNSON (22. Indiana DOS SANTOS 70′), 9. Shea CONNORS (17. Jynaya DOS SANTOS 82′), 14.Abbey LEMON, 18. Taylor RAY, 19. Zara KRUGER (21. Shay HOLLMAN 55′), 23. Fiona WORTS, 24. Caley TALLON-HENNIKER (20. Pricess IBINI 55′), 25. Jessica SEAMAN.
Unused subs: 30. Tahlia FRANCO (GK), 40. Jasmine BLACK (GK), 2. Margaux CHAUVET, 5. Kirsty FENTON, 7. Teigan COLLISTER, 13. Aideen KEANE.
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Venue: Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium
Referee: Pansa Chaisanit (Thailand)
