Kiedrzynek - Elimbi Gilbert (Le Guilly, 79'), Dudek (Samoura, 95'), De Almeida, Isabela - Karchaoui (c), Ebayilin (Yaya, 90'), Echegini - Feller (Jourde, 90'), Leuchter (Ajibade, 79'), Kanjinga (Lafontaine, 114').
Following their 1-1 draw in Germany last week, Paris needed a win to secure their place in the league phase of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. An early shot on target from captain Sakina Karchaoui set the tone from the outset (2') and Joe Echegini followed suit, but her shot was also saved by Lina Altenburg (15').
Eintracht Frankfurt enjoyed more possession in the first half, but Les Rouge et Bleu created the best chances, such as a dangerous cross-shot from Tara Elimbi Gilbert (31'). Their efforts were finally rewarded when Merveille Kanjinga burst forward to open the scoring (1–0, 36'). Two more strikes from Elimbi Gilbert and Karchaoui (44', 45') rounded out a strong first half for the Parisians, who went into the break one goal to the good.
However, Eintracht returned from the break determined to bounce back, and the German side put the Paris defence under pressure, forcing Katarzyna Kiedrzynek into a superb save (56'). Echegini responded immediately, but the Nigerian’s shot lacked the power to trouble Altenburg (63'). As the match grew more intense, Australia international Hayley Raso was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge and left her side a player down (66').
With the extra woman, the Parisians looked to extend their lead, and almost did so with a huge chance from a free-kick (72'), only to get caught out almost immediately against the run of play (1–1, 76'). With the score level again, the capital club went back on the attack, with Kanjinga once again coming close to scoring (82’, 90’). But there was no way through and the game headed into extra-time.
Paulo César’s players managed to break the deadlock almost immediately, with Kanjinga netting her second after latching onto a fine free-kick from Karchaoui (2–1, 95'). Unrelenting, Les Rouge et Bleu extended their lead through their captain, following a fine run behind the defence (3–1, 105'). Sakina then added to the scoreline in the second half by converting a penalty (4–1, 114'). The Parisians finished the job in added time through Rasheedat Ajibade (5–1, 120').
At the end of a thrilling match, the capital club thus secured their place in the league phase of the UEFA Women’s Champions League!
The goal that secured it! At the start of extra-time, Merveille Kanjinga got the winning goal.
