REA continued its impressive run in the Women’s A Division,
defeating the highly competitive Agia Paraskevi 1–0 at the Sochora stadium and
securing its sixth win in ten matches.
In a beautiful and action-packed game, Stelios Kozanidis’ team was superior for
most of the match, created many chances and, although it could have “sealed”
the victory earlier, ultimately had to withstand the pressure in the closing
minutes to claim the valuable three points.
REA’s “golden” scorer was Ruzafa, who in the 41st
minute sent the ball into the net with an excellent diagonal shot from the edge
of the box, following a great combination by Bonnin and Nigito and the assist
from Kapareli. The goal proved decisive, as despite the many chances that followed,
the score remained unchanged.
REA started strongly and constantly threatened Tolleson’s
goal in the opening minutes. At 10’, Nerimar forced English into a difficult
save, with the help of the right post, while a minute later Ruzafa struck the
crossbar. The pressure continued with Kapareli, Georgoula and Bonnin all coming
close to scoring, showing the team’s intention to “lock in” the win early.
In the second half, REA remained dominant and could have
extended the lead, but failed to find a second goal. The biggest moment of
anxiety came in the 80th minute, when Agia Paraskevi nearly equalised. Proimou
found herself in a great position, fired a powerful shot, but the ball crashed
off English’s post, preserving the lead for the hosts. Situma had her own big
chance for 2–0 in the 84th minute, but missed by just a few centimetres.
Despite the significant absences of Markoutsa and Renoux, as
well as Kanellou’s recent ankle sprain, REA delivered a very solid performance,
earning deserved applause from the crowd.
A special moment took place before kick-off, as both teams
entered the pitch wearing shirts with the message “No Excuse for Violence
Against Women”, as part of a joint initiative by the Hellenic Women’s
Football Association and the NGO W.I.N. Hellas. The campaign’s orange colour
symbolises hope for a world without violence and offered a powerful tone to the
match.
REA now turns its attention to the Greek Cup, where on
Wednesday it faces OFI at “Genti Koule”, in a knockout match for the
Round of 16.
CHANCES AND GOAL
10’ Nerimar attempted a powerful shot from outside
the box, English parried it and, with the help of the right post, kept the ball
out.
11’ Bonnin challenged outside the area, the ball fell to Ruzafa who
struck it, sending it off the crossbar.
12’ Kotsaki found herself inside the box from a tight angle, fired a low
shot, but the ball went just wide.
15’ After prolonged pressure in the opposing box, Georgoula received the
ball on the left and fired a strong shot, with the ball going parallel to the
goal line and out.
31’ Bonnin curled a left-footed shot from the right side, narrowly
missing the post.
GOAL!!! 41’ Beautiful buildup play by Bonnin and
Nigito, Kapareli received the ball inside the area and laid it off to Ruzafa,
who fired a powerful diagonal shot to make it 1–0!
46’ Great effort by Ruzafa on the right, delivering a
cross. Kapareli feinted and then struck a powerful shot, but the goalkeeper
held firmly.
63’ Bonnin took the corner, Situma tried to beat the goalkeeper from
inside the box, but the ball went just wide.
80’ Nerimar crossed from the left, Proimou shot from close range, but
the ball hit the post and went out.
84’ Bonnin delivered a cross from the right, Situma fired on the move
with a powerful attempt, but the ball passed inches wide of the left post.
LINEUPS
REA (S. Kozanidis): English, Vorras, Nikopoulou,
Panteri, Bonnin, Ruzafa (90’ Kelaidi), Situma, Georgoula, Nigito, Kapareli (75’
Kanellou).
Agia Paraskevi (D. Kalykas): Tolleson, Savvopoulou, Djordjevic, Nerimar,
Deliou (63’ Proimou), Showers (85’ Lambrou), Paneska (78’ Prapa), Prifti,
Pachaki, Krupa, Gatsi (63’ Mara).
